Eating family dinner together gives the whole family a lot of benefits, especially the children. Aside from getting the chance to talk, research has also shown that teenagers tend to exhibit various positive behaviors when they eat dinner with the family.
Teenagers aren't only the ones who benefit from eating together as a family. Young children likewise experience a range of positive benefits whenever you eat with them. Below are some of the great reasons why you should start striving to eat family dinner together.
Reduced Substance Abuse Rates
According to Parenting, one of the benefits of eating family dinner together is reducing the risk of your child to succumb to substance abuse. This may be brought about by the constant guidance that he will hear from his parents whenever they eat family dinner together.
Reduced Cases of Depression
Since eating a family dinner together gives children the chance to talk to their parents about their woes and successes, it helps children to express their frustrations and hidden feelings. They tend not to harbor pent-up feelings, which can often lead to depression when these children don't have anybody to talk to.
Higher Self-Esteem
Parenting also noted that when you eat family dinner together, your children tend to have higher self-esteem. Your presence gives them the confidence that their parents will always be around, whom they can lean on to.
Boost Children's Vocabulary
You may constantly read a book to your toddler, but studies have shown that eating family dinner together boosts the vocabulary of children more than reading a book to them can. So if you have a little child at home, better give him a place at the table and start expanding his vocabulary.
Healthy Eating
Health stated that you should eat family dinner together so that you can teach your children to love veggies, control their portions, and encourage them to try new healthier food choices. So if you want to reduce the risk of your child to become obese, better eat dinner with him.
These great reasons show the importance of eating family dinner together. It is one activity that you must not miss as it is the perfect time to strengthen family bonds.
