When I was growing up dinner was at 6:30 every night. You did not have to eat but you had to be at the table.

I think my folks like most families were on to something…

We have all intrinsically known that eating with others whether it is family, friends or colleagues can be good for your health.

We eat slower, make better choices and the social element can increase your levels of serotonin (the neurotransmitter that Keeps us feeling happy). There have been some impressive studies about the effects that sitting down to a family meal can have on the development of a child and the dynamics of the family.

• It’s a place to pass on family traditions
• You can easily create an ‘unplugged’ zone for communication (It is amazing what you will learn when you are not distracted)
• It offers structure and routine
• Allows parents or caregivers to check in with kids and teens gaining valuable insights that might be harder to tap into otherwise
• Family meals can have a positive impact on literacy and language development
• Kids who eat with their families on a regular basis are less likely to be obese
• Many studies have shown that children that sit down to a regular family meal will be less likely to have substance abuse problems, have a better sense of well being and actually do better academically

Family does not have to mean that you a re related, whether your family consists of kids, teens, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, friends or neighbours, family is family.

Schedule some time to sit down with those that mean the most to you and slow things down a bit.

Do You Want Your Kids to do Better in School? Sit Down and Have a Meal with Them