With the hustle and bustle of today’s rat race, most parents might prefer to forget all about preparing family dinners and perhaps lean more towards takeaway. This leaves each to their own while mum tidies the kitchen and dad does the last bit of admin or helps with homework. But before you know it, a week has gone by with little to no connection-time between family members.
In truth, family time is most important to help you and your loved ones stay connected and strengthen relationships. One of the easiest ways to do that is with family dinner time. And don’t let this stress you out! Having family meals delivered is one of the easiest ways to save time on cleaning and cooking and have more time with the family!
Why Eating Together Matters
One of the most important parts of family dinner time is bonding. A strong bond is what keeps a family together through the bad times, but you need to grow that relationship during the good times. And spending an hour or so together around a table is the perfect way to improve this bond in between busy schedules.
Also, it nurtures a feeling of belonging which is especially vital to young children.
This proves the value of dinner time for any family dynamic.
Top 5 Benefits of Dinner Time
While family dynamics is the main reason to start prioritising dinner time, you’ll love the other benefits this will hold for your loved ones.
Eating Together Fosters Well-Adjusted Kids
Often teenagers become depressed and develop low self-esteem. This can sometimes result in drug and alcohol abuse if it seems like the only way to feel accepted by their peers. Something as simple as dinner time may prevent some of this from happening. Spending time with a family that you know accepts and loves you is likely to prevent children from seeking approval from the wrong crowds.
More Family Time = Less Screen Time
Children and adults alike need a break from engaging with computers and mobile phones. Increased screen time in children has resulted in one or more of the following health problems:
- Depression and behavioural problems
- Less social skills
- Higher rates of obesity and less physical activity
So, another reason why family dinner time is important is because it reduces screen time by 30 to 120 minutes a day. You simply need rules in place that no devices are allowed at the table.
Reduced screen time not only allows family members to focus on each other but also improves sleep, which results in better mental health overall.
Family Dinner Time Saves Money
Having a balanced and nutritious diet is crucial to all members of the family and even to your pocket. Cooking yourself can save time and it can be cheaper than dining out. Or, by using specialty services like vegan meal delivery, you’ll receive appropriate portions, rather than creating waste by ordering excessive portions from takeaway venues.
Family Dinners Improve Family Dynamics
One parent might try to feed the children earlier to prevent the other parent from having a raucous meal, but this will not only isolate the other parent but also create distance within the family. The best way to enhance family dynamics is to carve out time for family dinners on a regular basis, if not daily.
Dinner time, sitting around the table and sharing in cleaning up afterwards are the perfect examples for children to learn about family roles. It also teaches table manners and good communication skills.
Healthy Eating Habits
For kids watching parents follow good eating plans, it helps build sensible eating habits that will impact the rest of their lives. Also, the healthy meals can assist with weight management that impact self-image, mental health and general health.
Conclusion
After you’ve read this article, it’s probably become clear that there are numerous benefits from shared family time. Not only for the development of teens and youngsters but also for mums and dads to slow down at least once a day.
Are you ready to spend more time with your family? Why not have your favourite meal delivered and save time on cooking? Pippa’s Kitchen offers a wide variety of healthy cooked meals, including vegan meals. Contact us today to have your meal delivered to your door and try a new take on dinner time.