The kids have been back in school for nearly two months now – long enough for the sweet lazy days of summer to waft into a distant memory. While I miss the unstructured homework-free schedule, there is something reassuring to falling back into a routine.
One of the best parts of autumn is that our dinner time routine stabilizes so that I can look everyone in the eye over a meal and assess how the day has gone. Why I take such personal pleasure in this is probably because it was part of my food and family heritage but now, there are some compelling reasons why we ought to hold onto this tradition and it’s not just for memory’s sake. Here are 10 strong reasons to hold them regularly:
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1. Eating together enables you to pass along your food philosophies to your children and others. You can converse about eating locally and seasonally and the benefits of both.
2. Dinner conversation is important whether or not it is about food. Researchers at the West Virginia University Extension found that children increased their vocabulary at a more rapid rate when dining with their parents.
3. The same study found that children are more likely to incorporate fruits and vegetables into their eating habits than if their families ate meals on the fly.
4. A study from Columbia University revealed that adolescents who had family meals at least 5 times per week were more likely to receive As and Bs than their colleagues who did not.
5. Jennifer at Food On Our Table, advocates for family meal time rituals because of the studies that point to kids who are less likely to do drugs or get depressed. Check out her terrific tips and courses on how to create family dinnertime!
6. Another piece of research ran regression analyses on the a myriad of factors from a population of Rhode Scholars. The single common variable identifying them as a Rhode Scholar? Their participation in family meals.
7. Eating together allows the opportunity to prepare a meal together giving the life skill of cooking and perhaps mastery of a few recipes.
8. Family dinner does not have to be fancy or predictable. How about a picnic on the lawn after a swim meet? What is predictable is the routine of having the meal and that can give children a sense of security that builds confidence.
9. Family meals give us the opportunity to raise more considerate children. Through meal guidelines and the enforcement of manners, children are prepared for dining out at the homes of others or in restaurants. Make a list of your basic dinner rules such as using please and thank you, saying a dinner blessing or no television. Break up the chores such as setting the table, filling water glasses or cleaning up afterwards.
10. If dinners are truly difficult due to varying schedules and availability, try breakfast together each day. Set up a schedule in advance so that everyone understands when they’re expected to be home for meal time. The real benefit of holding this ritual is that it becomes part of the definition of your family. It can build a loving trusting relationship amongst you and your kids and between your children.
What tricks and tips do you have or need that enable you to hold regular family meals?
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Debbie
/ October 19, 2012This is really wonderful, Tammi! Thank you! One thing that we would do, and maybe it wouldn’t work for others, but we would have certain meals on certain days and then they seemed to kind of look forward to it more. ( like taco Tuesday or something like that)
Tammy
/ October 21, 2012Yes, great. I do that. Monday is soup! That’s tomorrow and I need to figure it out.
Suzi Banks Baum
/ October 19, 2012I just posted on the Laundry Line about my Top Ten other things….what synchronicity! We do manage to eat dinner at home together most nights, though, since school is in full swing, the meals can be short depending on homework. We always light a candle for our meals, in the winter months, even for breakfast. A simple lit candle offers a sense of a warm center to the table and a certain special quality of reverence. The candle does not diminish arguments however. But, that is all part of the culture of the family table, right?
Tammy
/ October 21, 2012Oh, you know, we used to have a candle and don’t any longer. I need to bring that back. Then I could just wander in and light it the next morning for coffee and meditation.
kirsten@FarmFreshFeasts
/ October 19, 2012Agreed. I was shocked when one of the routine pediatrician questions at the last appt was ‘how many meals per week do you eat with your family?’ and the top end number was 5-7. We live in a small school district where the kids walk home for lunch most days. My kids are eating a meal w/ at least 1 parent 19-21 times a week and with both parents 10 times a week. Even during the busy hockey/basketball/marching band/sewing class season, one of us manages to eat with a kid every night. We move often, and family meals are important to keep us all together. It takes planning, but is worth it.
Tammy
/ October 21, 2012Wow, great job Kirsten. I’m a working mom so I really rely on the dinner time. You’ve clearly got this topic mastered and your children will benefit from you.
nrhatch
/ October 19, 2012Good points, all. We liked picnics and cookouts the best. 😀
Tammy
/ October 21, 2012Eating outdoors often makes the food taste better.
Tandy
/ October 19, 2012Dave and I sit down for dinner every night at the table as this is how we were both raised 🙂
Tammy
/ October 21, 2012That’s an important covenant to a great marriage Tandy. Good for you!
cindyricksgers
/ October 20, 2012Once children are gone, it can be easy to see things you wish you’d done differently, without another chance to make it right. Family dinner together was the way I grew up and – no matter how crazy life became – something I maintained when raising my daughters. That, and maintaining a daily reading time, are two things I did that I look back on with pride. Great post, Tammy!
Tammy
/ October 24, 2012Thanks Cindy and great job. You’re an inspiration to those of us doing it now.
kateshrewsday
/ October 20, 2012Gosh, I am a strong advocate for family mealtimes, Tammy, but I never knew the Rhodes scholar thing! What a recommendation!
I love mealtimes. They allow us to stop that Kolb cycle and reflect, and then bring our learning back to the life we lead. It is very cool.
Tammy
/ October 24, 2012Ahhhhh. It’s nice isn’t it? Tonight we had so much homework in our home that I let everyone bring it to the table and did a leftover mich-match. It probably didn’t contribute much to my future Rhodes scholars but it might help out on Mr. Crabb’s friday science quiz.
Know Thank You
/ October 20, 2012Great advice! My family ate together when I was a kid; less so when I was a teen. One thing that helped me a lot in life was one of the chores I had to do in order to earn my allowance: I had to prepare the family dinner one night every week. It was like my version of home ec I suppose, but I learned to cook in the process. To me the kitchen became another science lab, a place of fun where things were mixed together and results checked. No doubt the family ate some weird stuff over the years, but I entered adulthood as a young man who not only wasn’t afraid of the kitchen, I actually enjoyed it.
Tammy
/ October 24, 2012I love the idea of giving a kid a night a week. That’s a great idea. I think I’m going to try something like that and then have them explain it to us over the meal. Thanks Rob.
henrymowry
/ October 20, 2012Love this post. The research citations are wonderful! I will add one rule to your reasons: no electronics. It’s important to BE THERE, not just be there.
Tammy
/ October 24, 2012Agreed! I am so guilty when we go out to eat. I find myself checking my phone far too often and then when I look around the table, everyone is doing it. For some reason, I don’t have the same issue at home.
henrymowry
/ October 20, 2012Reblogged this on MowryJournal.com and commented:
Love the research that illustrates the importance of family dinners. This is a big idea! Your family deserves nothing less.
Tammy
/ October 24, 2012Thank you Henry!
Dawn Murray
/ October 20, 2012I agree though somewhat sadly, as our ‘family dinner’ five nights a week is just my son and I, as my husband works late each night. Most times we eat with the tv on and I know I can do better but I’m mostly exhausted/out of ideas by dinner time… I’ll have to work on making it more meaningful.
Tammy
/ October 24, 2012I’m sure you’re doing fine but maybe try it just one night a week for a start. When my kids were younger, I used to do a thing where I’d research a topic and share it at dinner. Things like a hero, a location, a composer, etc…
Lauren
/ October 20, 2012We recently started to have dinner together almost every night (even though Nora’s bedtime means dinner at 6 pm) for lots of these reasons, but mainly #1. It’s important to me that she eats what we eat and gets time to interact with us at dinnertime. Great list!
Tammy
/ October 24, 2012I would love to eat at 6 but that’s just not possible. It is important for her to eat what you eat! I should’ve referenced that. Great add!
Kath (My Funny Little Life)
/ October 21, 2012I’m very much for family dinners. In today’s times, dinner often is the only occasion when the whole family comes together, and in all cultures throughout the history of mankind, sharing a meal has been one of the most important ways to connect and maintain social bonds. This way, family dinners fulfill some of the basic human needs at once – physiological needs for food and drink, and psychological needs for belonging, communication, and security. Thumbs up for this post! 😀
Tammy
/ October 24, 2012Thanks Kath and I enjoyed your recent posts on the meals with your parents. When my family comes together, the meal planning, preparing and eating is a big part of how we relate.
nancy at good food matters
/ October 21, 2012it’s good to see these studies bolstering what we already sensed about the importance of dining together. all the connections we make over the table, through words and actions, are essential to our core human experience.
As a single working mom, it was at times difficult, but we did our best—my daughter and I—to sit down and dine together every night we were together. It did help that I ran a catering company–sometimes I would bring homr something good from work, when I was too beat to cook. The picnic idea–which I sometimes would spread over a blanket on the living room rug in wintertime—was a fun way to dine.
Tammy
/ October 24, 2012Oooh, I bet it helped that you had a catering business. I always have one night each week that is either leftovers or takeout. It lessens the load.
lucindalines
/ October 21, 2012We spent a year living with my mother while our house was being finished. She owned and operated the local cafe and so most of our meals were spent eating and working there. Having a sit down family meal was the thing our children really missed and basically demanded that we have. We did go back to family meals as often as possible when our own house was finished. I think that of all the things we taught them, they will take the family meal thing to their familiy lives. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Tammy
/ October 24, 2012That’s terrific! I love that they missed it. I hope my kids will say the same one day.
The Farmers Taft
/ October 21, 2012Boy, I’m feeling like a pretty cruddy mom in this crowd! My husband usually cooks dinner, and he lets the kids help. However… then we usually eat in front of the TV. Bad mom. I know it’s better for many reasons to eat at the table. I feel guilty saying it, but it’s also one of the few times a day when I can relax and NOT have to talk! As soon as dinner’s over the TV goes off and I’m interacting with the kids for hours until bedtime. Making lunches for the next day, talking about their days, helping with any last homework questions, and the list goes on. Am I truly damaging them by taking that 1/2 hour to chill out in front of the TV? I can’t be the only one here!
Tammy
/ October 21, 2012That doesn’t sound cruddy at all. You’re just mixing up the order a bit more. Your husband and kids putting a meal together is fantastic.
The Farmers Taft
/ October 28, 2012Thanks Tammy. Sometimes a little validation is comforting!
Hotly Spiced
/ October 21, 2012I’ve always known it’s good to eat together as a family but it’s great to have all the benefits spelled out. Great post and I agree with it all xx
Tammy
/ October 24, 2012Sounds like your kids have seen the benefits!
Estrella Azul
/ October 22, 2012This is great, Tammy, thanks for the rundown 🙂 I know I like them now, and I’ll have family dinners when I have kids, and all too.
Just taking a look at the (nearly 6 yo) little girl I babysit, she has no real table manners to transfer to any other social setting.
For instance, she won’t use a napkin, ever. Sticky hands don’t matter. (She won’t even blow her own nose, but that’s another story.) She eats in bed, in front of the TV, for hours, because she’ll get immersed in what she’s watching. When having her snack after kindergarten, she’ll simply hand it to me when it’s half eaten, or bring me the baggy it was in, even if my hands are full and expects me to throw it away.
I don’t have a way of knowing what my own kid will turn out like, but I definitely don’t want one like the above described…
Then there are families who always have family dinners, and you can tell. Friends with a 3 yo little girl visited us last night, and the kid was a delight to watch.
She ate a slice of apple pie – used a napkin, didn’t touch everything around her with dirty hands, asked for a tissue to blow her own nose when she sneezed.
Now that’s what I want my kids to be like 😉
Tammy
/ October 24, 2012Manners are really important and just as you’ve discovered, they set kids apart.
shrinkingthecamel
/ October 23, 2012I had heard some of this research before, but the Rhodes scholars? That is astounding.
Tammy
/ October 24, 2012Isn’t it? I actually heard that fact during a sermon and it piqued my curiosity to learn more.
yambean
/ October 24, 2012I have enjoyed your blog so much I have nominated you for the Beautiful Blogger Award. Please check my site for the requirements of acceptance. Congratulations!
Inger Wilkerson
/ October 24, 2012Alas we are doing “family dinner” in the 15 minutes between swimming and ballet right now. But swim season ends in a week, and I love your idea of reinforcing table manners at dinner!
Tammy
/ October 24, 2012Give one of your kids the challenge of making it meaningful. I’m sure they won’t disappoint.
Lisa H
/ October 24, 2012Eating together is really enjoyable and it’s about the only time I can get the kid’s full attention. We eat as soon as the kids come home from school so they have energy for their activities, plus, they are starving when they walk through the door. Thank goodness for crockpots and ovens! Dinner is a great time to take a break from the day, shift to evening routines, and really enjoy a few minutes together.
Tammy
/ October 24, 2012We eat at the other extreme – quite late. I’d love to eat earlier but it’s a challenge.
Lisa H
/ October 25, 2012Yes, it is a challenge. For a long time, we would have a large snack after school and then eat later in the evening. But I found the kids were eating snacks and not as much dinner. I miss having DH eat with us, but we do what we can and it makes weekends that much more special. I think it’s great that you make a point to eat together during the week–it’s not easy!
Tokeloshe
/ October 24, 2012Great post!
Without distractions like television, we are more aware of what we eat, how fast and how much we are eating.
Tammy
/ October 24, 2012Oh, that’s a great point Toke that I failed to state.
Mother Nature's Manuscript
/ October 24, 2012This is amazing! There are so ideals I support that go along with this, I feel like it ties everything together. This makes so much sense.
I learned to appreciate this more with when I had to take children out in public. A minimum of table manners and polite dinner conversation go a long way. Food is so important.
Tammy
/ October 25, 2012Great point! We never avoid that because our kids know how!
Laura
/ October 31, 2012Great one, Tammy – love the tips, and they are all so true. I especially am appreciating the table manners one. We’ve had a few friends eat over lately, and I’m kind of shocked at the lack of consideration some have shown (sadly, I realize its probably because they haven’t been taught any different.)
Tammy
/ November 11, 2012Well, I know this will make me sound tough and overpowering but I correct the children of others in my own home. I expect a please and a thank you and basic manners here and like you, I am often very surprised at the lack of them.
Laura
/ November 15, 2012Whew, ok, and I thought I was the only stern, mean mom out there. Good to know I’m not alone. I don’t limit my corrections to in the home, I’ve been known to correct at the mall, hotels, and family wedding as well. There you have it!
Sophie33
/ November 1, 2012When I used to live with my parents, we always ate together & discussd our days. I think it is hugely important too! A great post! xxx
Tammy
/ November 11, 2012And you remember it as a fond memory which says a lot Sophie!
island traveler
/ November 5, 2012I grew up in a big family and eating together was a big think for us. It made us feel close to each other which now I truly apreciate. I’m hoping to do the same with my family. Thanks for the reminder. Priceless!
Tammy
/ November 11, 2012Thanks for visiting! I love large family meals.
warturoadam77p
/ November 11, 2012Great post! I’m thrilled to see that our grown extended family continued traditional Sunday dinners together in our absence.
isathreadsoflife
/ November 16, 2012Family lunches (more so here) or diners are so important ! We used to be four for dinner every day, lively moments. Now Sundays are the days where the extended family gather for lunch. Always a special meal, traditional or a new recipe. We all enjoy it very much.
Lisa Murphy
/ October 24, 2019is this still an active blog??
Tammy
/ October 25, 2019Not as active as it once was. I have taken a break to finish graduate school and am working on a new format for the blog going forward