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Family Meal Strengthen Family Ties
Holidays offer
families an opportunity to connect and strengthen ties which build close
relationships. Family meals offer that same opportunity all year long.
Research shows that eating meals together results in better nutrition and health
for family members as well as stronger families. Children are more likely to get
better grades and have fewer behavior problems. Teens are less likely to use
alcohol or drugs or to develop eating
disorders.
Eating together on a regular basis provides a reassuring routine for children
and adults. Home is the place where we go to be nurtured, to give and receive
love and respect. What better way to express all of that than by gathering
together around the family table.
Washington
State University has a series of terrific one page brochures with practical tips
promoting family meals. The brochure series is called Eat Better, Eat Together
and can be found at www.nutrition.wsu.edu/ebet/toolkit.html. Here are some sample suggestions:
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Aim for
three or more meals a week. For families who are not eating together now,
start with just one meal a week and add more later. Families usually enjoy
eating together after they try it.
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Keep a
sense of humor and laugh a lot. Share jokes or your favorite comic strip of
the day. Simple food served with love and laughter outshines gourmet fare.
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Cook it
quick but eat it slow. Allow ample time to enjoy the meal and talk with each
other.
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Turn off
distracting sources of noise like the TV, radio, and phones so conversation
can be heard. Soft music in the background, though, can make it seem like
you are dining in a nice restaurant.
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Stick to
positive topics for conversation. Choose another time for talking about
missed homework assignments or family finances. Encourage everyone to talk
by asking conversation starters like “what made you laugh today,” or, “what
was the best part of your day.”
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Have a
game night. Make individual pizzas using English muffins as a base for
tomato sauce, toppings and cheese. Then play a game with everyone taking
turns choosing the game.
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Take time
to celebrate each family member at a time other than their birthday. Let
them choose the menu and use a special plate reserved just for these
occasions.
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