Teach Kids the Importance of Family Meals

Teach Kids the Importance of Family Meals

June 30, 2006

To encourage children to eat better and learn healthier eating habits, registered dietitians recommend families eat meals together whenever possible. As kids’ (and parents’) hectic schedules create time pressures all day long, parents may be reassured to know their children probably value family mealtimes.

A study in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that adolescents and their parents each value family meals. The study of more than 900 male and female adolescents and their parents consisted of a survey in the schools and phone interviews of parents.

Younger adolescents reported eating the most meals with their family (likely as a result of older kids’ involvement in more activities outside the home), but all ages indicated time together is important to them.

So parents — try to make time for your family to eat together. One big benefit: It’s a great opportunity for you to demonstrate healthy eating patterns to your children.

Produced by ADA’s Public Relations Team

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