Eat Dinner Together. It's Good For You

Photo by Angela Roadman Photography. Beacon's Interior Designer, Kellie Clements and her family.

It's amazing how profoundly and positively we can affect others when we invest time into their lives. A recent study was done outlining the many benefits that sit down dinners with the family have on children and teens. Children who routinely have meals with their families tend to have higher academic success, lower rates of substance abuse and report feeling more close to their families.

Whether you have kids or not, are an empty-nester, reside with roommates or by yourself I think the positive effects of bringing it in around the table with others at the end of a long day cannot be overlooked. This is too simple to not take advantage of.

Save Money, Save the Waist Line

Cooking dinner at home, opposed to taking everyone out to a restaurant, will save you money and will also cause you to be more conscience of what you are serving and fueling your body with. Eating out, while a treat, can add up when it's done regularly, and it usually will add to your waistline as well.  Eating at home more than you eat out will keep money in your pocket and the money you saved can be used for greater goals or a fun family vacation!

Send a Clear Message

With the TV off and cellphones on silent, you're more likely to engage in the moment free of distractions. Just like answering an 'important' call mid-conversation can send a real message, so can direct eye-contact, affirming head nods and encouraging feedback. Reduce the distractions when you gather around the table, so people know that you are fully engaged and committed to the moment you have with them. This kind of commitment really affirms that you find value and importance in that relationship.  

Brazen Fun

I remember one family meal when my parents decided to have an outdoor picnic in our backyard. Turns out the great outdoors was a prime location for a legendary family food fight that was premeditated by my parents. I can still remember my complete shock over how spontaneous and crazy my parents were when they started dumping bowls of mashed potatoes and canned peaches over our heads. Not all dinners fun have to be this messy, but embrace the cutting up and laughter, cook individual pizza's as a family or play a great game. These will be the memories that your kids miss when their off to college and want to recreate when they have their own families. 

Strengthen Relationships

Get to know the people you gather around the table with. Ask questions, listen and express your feelings. It means a lot to know that someone is interested in your day and what you are doing, and returning the favor overtime builds a mutual support system. This kind of support builds confidence and feels secure. We understand, too, that not all family discussions are for the faint of heart. When the discussion becomes heavy or emotional it is all the more important to communicate respectfully to work through difficulties and disagreements. Don't dismiss or avoid these conversations, but allow others to speak openly and completely before sharing your side. Revel in these conversations as they produce growth, strengthen relationships and allow everyone to have their own ideas and share them. Family dinners also seem to improve general relationships and the sense of wellbeing within families. The study shows that 70% of teens who eat dinner with their parents 5-7 times a week report that their parents are proud of them compared with 48% of teens who dine with their families 2 or fewer times a week. Family meals can create the kind of safe environment where self-disclosure actually feels comfortable, laughter really is the best medicine and even silence can be golden.

Yes, family dinners can take some extra organization and planning ahead, but they don't have to be complicated or lavish. Getting together around the table will benefit your life. We would love to hear from you on the topic of family dinners. What do you most love about family dinners or what are some of your best memories?