How Family Meals Improved Kid's Mental Health?

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), 91 percent of parents observed their families are less stressed when they share meals. In a poll of 1,000 American adults conducted for the AHA's Healthy for Good movement by Wakefield Research, 84 percent of individuals wish they could share a meal with loved ones more often. However, the average adult eats roughly half the time alone, per Study Finds.

Almost two in three, or 65 percent of the respondents, stated that they are somewhat stressed, while only 27 percent are overly stressed. Researchers note that chronic and continuous stress increases heart disease and stroke risk. Dr. Erin Michos, an AHA volunteer, associate director of preventive cardiology at Johns Hopkins, and co-author of the AHA's statement on Psychological Health, Well-being, and the Mind-Heart Body Connection, stated in a media release that sharing meals is one of the ultimate ways to diminish stress, improve social connection, and boost self-esteem, specifically for young ones.

Noting that chronic and constant stress can result in a life-threatening disease, thus, it's essential to find ways to lessen and manage stress as soon as possible. The survey also determined that many individuals believe sharing a meal has additional health benefits as it also reminds them of the essence of connecting with friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors. More than 54 percent believe that sharing a meal also reminds them to take a break and to slow things down, especially when sharing meals with the family.

Many Americans find it hard to align their schedules

Michos added that getting individuals together at mealtime is not as easy as it sounds. Like other healthy habits, permit yourself to begin small and build from there. Gradually, set a goal to gather loved ones to eat meals together each week. If it's not possible, think about other ways, such as sharing a meal over the phone or laptop.

The survey also reveals that seven in 10 full- or part-time workers would feel less stressed if they had more time to share a meal with their co-workers, similar to when meals are shared with loved ones. Moreover, almost six in 10, or 59 percent, say they make healthier food choices when eating with families. However, many Americans find it hard to align their schedules with their loved ones.

Data published on Child Trends shows that adolescents who regularly eat meals with parents tend to consume more fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. They are also less likely to be overweight. A family who regularly eats meals together reduces the occurrence of eating disorders in youth regardless of demographic characteristics and body mass index. Also, watching parents eat healthy positively influence children's behavior and nutritional choices as they grow.

Provide children with a sense of stability

Eating together can also improve the parent-child relationship and give young ones a sense of both stability and connectedness. Kids younger than 13 who regularly eat meals with their loved ones display fewer behavioral problems. Also, mealtime conversations have been associated with improved literacy.

It's also important to support children's mental health and well-being. Furthermore, family meals establish healthy eating environments as there is an opportunity to connect and learn over a shared experience during family meals, Kelty Mental Health.