The table
is where the family gathers. Everyone’s there, sharing the day’s news, relaxing
and exchanging views and experiences, all in connection with the consumption of
a meal.
Apart
from the obvious, the whole process reinforces family ties and gives parents
the opportunity to find out what their children really like. At the same time,
it’s an educational process, since very young children often learn new words in
the course of the meal.
Scientific
studies have shown that the more frequently family members eat together the
higher the chances are that they will remain united and that the children will
enjoy good close relations and good communication with their parents. Parental
involvement with their children, as well as activities performed in common by
the family, play an important role in shaping role-models, since these are
formed at a young age, when children tend to identify with their parents.
It would
appear, then, that the benefits of family meals are lasting, and extend far
beyond simply eating food together.
According
to a study named EAT (Eating among Teens), by the University of Minnesota,
adolescents who don’t eat regularly with their parents often exhibit
‘border-line’ behaviours, such as smoking, drug abuse or consumption of
alcohol. It has also been observed that such teenagers are more prone to
depression and eating disorders.
In
studies at American universities, it’s also been shown that adolescents who eat
with their family on a regular have a greater sense of being accepted by them.
By the same token, by talking things over at mealtimes, parents have a great
opportunity to glean information about their children’s lives without being
pushy.
In
general, then, we can say that family meals fill children with a sense of
safety and family security. They feel that they belong to a loving and united
team, with whom they can share various facets of their lives.
So it’s
recommended that families should enjoy meals together, and, if this is not
possible on a daily basis, then an effort should be made to make it happen at
least three to four times a week. The food doesn’t need to be complicated or
difficult. All that’s necessary to satisfy a child is a plate of hot, home-made
food, a good atmosphere and the appetite of the other members of the family.
Source: http://pemptousia.com/2016/05/family-upbringing-at-the-table/
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