Celebrate Family Day on Sept. 22 with a Family Meal
Wilmington, Delaware
Monday, September 15, 2008 @ 12:00 AM EDT
by: Nancy D'Argenio, Public Relations Specialist
This Monday, September 22, 2008 is Family Day. This national initiative reminds all parents that what kids want most at the dinner table is you!
Pulling off a family meal can seem challenging, but the benefits are substantial. Experts and a range of studies suggest that when kids eat meals frequently with their family:
- They tend to eat healthier diets, snack less, drink more milk and less soda, and eat when they are hungry, all important factors in maintaining a healthy weight.
- Kids who eat regularly with their families are also less likely to snack on unhealthy foods and more likely to eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- There is also evidence that children do better in school.
- Teens who eat regular family meals are less likely to smoke, drink alcohol, or use marijuana and other drugs.
- Teen girls who frequently dine with their parents appear to have better self-esteem and experience less depression and less disordered eating behaviors such as dieting and binge eating.
Here are some helpful ways to celebrate Family Day any day:
- Plan Ahead Combine all family members calendars into one and find the days of the week when everyone is available. Then make these the family dinner nights. Have everyone commit to keeping these nights and times open strictly for family meals.
- Shop Ahead You know how easily the day can get away from you; so, purchase ingredients ahead of time. If you can, maybe even cook a meal on the weekend and freeze if for use later in the week.
- Make it a Family Affair Give everyone a dinner responsibility. Even the little ones can fold napkins, pour water, and put out silverware. Older kids can make the salad or help prepare the main dish. Offer your teen a night where he or she makes dinner and you just supervise.
- Turn off all Electronics That means cell phones, the house phone, iPods, even the TV! The television is not a member of your family. Focus on each other as you enjoy a healthy, balanced meal.
- Keep Conversations Positive Dinner time is not the time to grill your kids about their grades or talk finances with your spouse. Ask what happened at school, tell them about your day, tell a joke, make plans for your next family meal, or for a fun family outing.
- Make it a habit. All kids thrive on routine…even your teens.
Connect with your kids…and enjoy a family meal! To find out more about Family Day, a day to eat dinner with your children, visit http://casafamilyday.org/familyday.
modified: Tuesday, January 06, 2009 @ 10:44 AM EST
created: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 @ 09:59 AM EDT
