Studies indicate that children from families that eat together are less likely to suffer from anxiety, have higher self-esteem, and are more likely to grow up into more confident adults. Although it might not be possible to have all meals together, sharing a meal a day or over the weekends can significantly strengthen the family bond.
Plan to have at least one meal together every day. It can be dinner or lunch, but the main idea is to have one meal a day when everyone is available. This allows you to talk about the day’s interests without distractions. It also gives your children the opportunity to ask questions in a relaxed and comfortable environment. You get to know how each person’s day was and share stories.
Here are ways to make food bring your family together.
Try Out New Dishes
Preparing new dishes for the family is a great way to get everyone excited for mealtime. You can do this over the weekend or when you have some spare time. Let your loved ones know that you’re cooking something different and delicious, then make sure to deliver.
Ask for suggestions for meal planning for the coming week. Get the family involved in developing the menu.
Cooking Together
Do you have days when everyone is around the house and not busy? Take advantage of this to plan and prepare a family meal together. It can be over the weekend or a public holiday. You’ll get to spend quality time together, share some fun and laughter and learn a new skill. I have often made a meal of my favorite appetizers at restaurants. What does your family like? Appetizers can include salads, soups, chili, meat balls, cheese, shrimp, or whatever your heart desires.
Making Food Fun
Food is a great way to bring people together, and sometimes all you need is to spice things up a little. Have a joke contest at the table and everyone shares one joke. Who doesn’t love a good joke? Perhaps your family likes silly stories. I like simple food art too. That’s another fun way to have dinner.
Try a dish from another culture. I fell in love with Korean Bulgogi in my college cafeteria. Have the family choose a menu and make a fun meal all together.
Go Out Sometimes
The change of scenery, getting to indulge in your favorite delicacies, and lots of laughter are great ways to bond. Try planning a family outing for waffles, burgers, or other favorite foods. If you have a particular eatery your family loves, take everyone there at least once a month. Not only will this bring the family together, but it allows you to spend quality time that doesn’t involve buying groceries or doing dishes. You can even go out for dessert if you wish to.
As you share food with your family, your bond will grow stronger, and you’ll enjoy every moment you get to spend together. You’ll be making memories.
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Definitely! We have always done our best to eat our evening meal together.
Going to check out your recipe for tomato tart now.
Thanks Lisa, I hope you have a wonderful week.
I agree with you completely. And I wish that was a lesson we could kick into our kid’s head — Rick was so frustrated that when he was there for dinner yesterday, the kids didn’t sit at the table during dinner. They’re six and seven — old enough to do it. We’re not sure if that’s a regular thing, but we’ve seen it before and it just feels wrong. (And there is only so much you can say. . . )
It’s tricky discussing parenting with others. I do believe that spending time together eating is a healthy, productive family tradition, but it’s hard to comment on family and friends’ behaviors.
We try to eat together at least a couple of times a week but it is harder now that my girls have busy lives, it can’t be done every evening. My girls do like to spend time in the kitchen when I am cooking so we at least get some quality time together even if my eldest does have to go to work before we eat.
It’s hard with family members working different time schedules. I know from your blog you all have strong bonds.
We always eat breakfast together and most evening meals. We also have a no phones at the table policy so that we can focus on eating and being together without interruption.
#MMBC
I totally agree, Carol, eating together as a family is incredibly important – as is making special meals for ourselves when we dine alone 🙂 You raise some very important points in this post and great tips too. Thank you for sharing with the Hearth and Soul Link Party.
When my kids were growing up family meals were crucial. We were fortunate that my husband had a 9-5 job and I was a teacher so dinner was always at 5:30. Your meal suggestions look really good.
I did this when my daughter was young, But once she started driving to school and staying after school for activities, that went out the window.
As empty nesters, my husband and I do this almost every day. The only time we miss is if one of us isn’t eating at all, which rarely happens. 🙂
Great article. Pinned. Thanks for sharing at #aclwcc.
Wow, your post is ‘how apropos’. We had our grown family dinner on Sunday usually twice a month or so..last Sunday we baked Apple pies, and then sat down to a sausage dinner with dishes all brought to share. Lo and behold, we discussed Thanksgiving and a Vote was taken “we are 9 “…and the vote was for SALMON…lol. Of course, I’m yearning for turkey…but I will just make one for us that weekend, so we are having Salmon, crab/cornbread, and possible a shrimp dish also. Crazy—but, everyone seemed totally up for it, so HAPPY THANKSalmonGiving!
It sounds perfect for extended family get-togethers!
I’ve been a little ill for awhile but new I’m better especially for Christmas. All these goodies look really good. Thanks.
Cruisin Paul
I’m glad to hear you’re better. I’ve missed you. Someone stole your blog add as it transfers you to a spot with porn.
This is a splendid post Carol! Thank you for all the great advice and the most delicious recipes. Have a great week coming up 🙂
thanks for your support and feedback – it means a lot to me.
I have always tried to instil this in our home. Love all of your recipes Carol, food certainly does bring people together. 🙂
I love this post so much, Carol. I especially love the research you mentioned at the beginning. It does matter, and it can make a big difference. I am big into trying new recipes and having everyone cook together. It’s wonderful. I’ve got to try those tomato tarts, too! Definitely Pinning this post to save and share it. Thank you for sharing this post with us at the Will Blog for Comments #52 linkup. We hope to see you back sharing more during our linkup #53. (It will be on a holiday schedule, open Dec. 2 – Jan. 2 while we take a break during the week of Thanksgiving.)
Enjoy your break. Happy Thanksgiving!