Eating Together as a Family:
Time for Bonding and Strengthening of Family Ties

          
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Eating together as a family can easily be forgotten about or put off to the side when a family becomes busy with everyday life, but it is also one of the main things that can help a busy family find enjoyable quiet time together.  The memories your family will make while breaking bread together will last for a lifetime.
Studies have shown that a simple meal together every evening can bring physical and mental health to the entire family.
The Rewards of Making Family Mealtime a Priority
If you are concerned about your families nutrition, the rise of obesity, or substance abuse, the best way to combat those issues are to make family mealtime a staple in your household. 
The research has proven that families that eat together every day or almost every day are eating better and reducing the amount of fat intake as compared to families that do not make eating meals together a priority.
Your child’s education can be improved as well, as a result of family togetherness.
In a study if high school seniors it was found that their scores were higher, they were more likely to be high-achievers, and in-turn will have a better chance at a happy and successful future.
Your Kids will Imitate your Eating Habits
Foods served out of your home are special made for your family with the quality control that is unbeatable anywhere else, such as at a restaurant.
Parents have the responsibility to set the right example about the importance of eating healthily, choosing the right portion sizes, and not being afraid to try new styles of foods.
When eating with your family, you should turn off the television, computer, and video games, and concentrate on strengthening your family or passing on your families’ traditions.

  
       
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10 Tips to Transform Mealtime into Family Time

Tip #1

Make the commitment to make family time your main priority.

Tip #2

Make a goal of at least 5 meals together a week, this can be breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  You can also choose to eat at home or go out to a restaurant.

Tip #3

Come to the dinner table prepared with questions such as “What was your favorite part of your day today?”,  that will get your family talking quickly and easily.

Tip #4

Get the entire family involved in the making of your grocery list, get their ideas and make a list of their favorite meals.  Also, have the family help with the construction and plating of the meal.

Tip #5

Try new ambiances, such as decorations, music, new table arrangements, flowers, or candles.

Tip #6

Teach your kids to enjoy their food and not to rush or shovel it down.

Tip #7

Don’t start cleaing immeditatly after the meal, let your food settle while continuting to enjoy your families company and conversation.

Tip #8

Don’t discuss stress-full or confrontational subjects at the table.  You want to keep the environment light and fun.

Tip #9

Connect and unite as a family.

Tip #10

When things get dull, go out of the house to eat somewhere new or exciting, such as a picnic, or a restaurant.

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Family Meal Time Trial Run
5 Meals (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) a week for 5 weeks

 

Step #1

Make the promise to your self and your family to eat the five meals a week for five weeks.

Step #2

Get the entire family interested and participating in the construction of the meals.

Step #3

Before eating, quiet your family and have a moment of reflection and thanks for all of your blessings.

Step #4

Turn off all of your distractions such as cell phones, televisions, computers, and video games.

Step #5

Concentrate on having constructive conversations that will make this time entertaining and something to look forward to every day.

Step #6

Get everyone involved with tidying up with kitchen and washing the dishes.  Make it fun and enjoyable and you will find that this is a necessary and important priority your families lives.