Family Nutrition: Making Time For Family Dinner
Celebrate Family Time During Mealtime
These days, eating together as a family at the same time is not easy due to our hectic family schedules. Yet, as parents, it is important to know that eating together as a family gives kids comfort and confidence in their day.
Creating time to sit down and have a family meal doesn't have to be a chore. Find simple recipes that are quick and easy to make. Don't be stressed or pressured to make a formal meal. The most important thing is being together as a family.
We have some simple to implement suggestions to help you get started!
Time Challenge- Time is certainly one of the major obstacles to families gathering at mealtime. The key to making a family dinner is to plan! Here are some practical tips to help you make time for family meals:
-
Plan your meals ahead of time. Making a weekly meal plan and keeping your pantry and freezer stocked up can save a lot of time. Create a shopping list and make the time to go to the grocery store on a weekend. It will be much easier to make dinner, if you know what you want to make and you have all the ingredients in the house.
-
Crock-pot cooking. If you’re working late, check out some healthy crock pot recipes, or cook a bit more on the weekends and freeze meals in individual portions.
-
Make it simple. A healthy home-made meal doesn’t have to take hours. Grilled chicken and veggies only takes half an hour to make and is an enjoyable meal.
-
Engage kids in meal prep for family dinner. Children are more likely to eat better when they help with meal preparation responsibilities like setting the table or stirring a batter. Most kids enjoy being involved in the cooking process. Admire their efforts! Being engage in cooking healthy meals at an early age can improve long term cooking skills and encourage a healthier lifestyle.
-
Eat together at the table. It’s easier to talk to each other when you are face to face.
-
During mealtime, focus on each other by turning off the TV, cell phones and even iPods.
-
Keep mealtime a fun time for the family to catch up and share their day
-
Parents and older siblings can be a great role model for good eating habits.
-
Keep it fun. Kids can make name cards for their seats.
-
Keep meals from lasting too long. If your child gets fussy, let them be excused and take their plate to the sink.
-
Introduce one new food item at least 3 times a week.
Family meal time is also a wonderful opportunity to share experiences with each other. Children learn a great deal of eating habits, family attitudes and values when you sit down as a family. Meal time is important family time that will help your child in so many ways. Keep it simple and enjoy each other, that is what it is all about!
Healthy Eating
Healthy Child
Written by Maryam Malekian
•
Written on Oct 05, 2011
•
Last updated on Sep 30, 2013
email
print
share
tweet
0 Comments