Nutrition and Pediatrics

		Cindy Cunningham, MS, RD/LD Section Editor, Pediatrics Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Nutrition; UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas

Mealtime, family time
Posted: January 2005
Source: Cindy Cunningham, MS, RD/LD

In our fast paced society the family meal has almost disappeared in many households. Children have part-time jobs, soccer practice or school activities, parents are expected to work late, and dinner often becomes a grab and go affair for each family member. There is increasing evidence that the family meal is a tradition worth saving.

In the August, 2004, issue of The Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, a report of a survey of Minnesota adolescents indicated that the frequency of family meals was inversely related to tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use; low grade point average; depressive symptoms; and suicide involvement. Other studies have linked family meals with healthy child development, better school performance, increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, and overall better nutrition.

Family meals are about sitting at the table, communicating, and giving children reliable access to their parents. It is not about spending hours making a home-cooked meal or "no dessert until the vegetables are eaten". A good way to start would be to schedule meals several times a week so that everyone can clear their schedule. Turn off the TV, sit at the table, and share the meal (home-cooked, delivery pizza, carry-out chicken or fast food). As the tradition of family meals becomes ingrained, more attention can be given to improving the nutrient content.