A recent study found that over 75% of parents reported using media during their last family meal, with smartphone use being the most common type. This pervasive use of media during mealtimes can hinder connection and diminish the benefits of family dinners.

Benefits of Family Dinners

Experts say that consistently sharing meals as a family can lead to improved emotional satisfaction, healthier diets, and lower risk of substance use among teenagers. However, the quality of time spent together is crucial, not just the frequency of meals.

Dr. Margie Skeer, a public health and community medicine professor, notes that the emotional benefits of family dinners come from the consistent family connection and the opportunity to share feelings and emotions. Even small moments, like standing at the kitchen counter and sharing a snack, can be beneficial.

Rethinking Family Dinners

With busy schedules and distracting devices, it can be challenging to find time for family dinners. However, experts suggest that even one dedicated family meal a week can bring well-being and a sense of belonging. Putting away phones for 20-30 minutes during a meal can make a significant difference.

Some families may find that incorporating media use into mealtimes, such as watching a movie together, can be a way to bond and create shared experiences. However, individual media use, like smartphone use, can be detrimental to family connection.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.