As families navigate busy schedules, sharing meals together can be a challenge. However, when families consistently share meals, they enjoy numerous benefits, including improved emotional satisfaction and healthier diets. A new study found that over 75% of parents reported media use during their last family meal, with the most common type being smartphone use.

The Importance of Family Dinners

Experts emphasize that family dinners provide a built-in space for checking in, sharing feelings, and emotions, which is essential for family connection. Dr. Margie Skeer, a public health and community medicine professor, notes that the quality of time around the table is what fosters emotional and psychological benefits. Even just standing at the kitchen counter together, sharing a snack, and asking your child how they’re doing can be a chance to connect.

With media use seemingly inescapable in the home, some families might find that a mindset of ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’ could work best. For example, family movie nights during dinner can offer easy, conflict-free bonding time for families. The key is to find ways to make family dinners a priority, even if it’s just one dedicated meal a week.

ReThinking Family Dinner

Experts offer tips to rethink family dinner, such as putting away the phone for 20 to 30 minutes during breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Finding the time for just one dedicated family meal a week can bring well-being, a shared sense of belonging, and connection. Dr. Anne Fishel, an associate professor of psychology, notes that mealtimes are the ‘most reliable’ opportunity many families have for daily connection.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.