Benefits of Family Meals

There are not many things better for a family than to simply have meals together. Families, especially kids, benefit enormously from frequent positive family meals:

1. Improves family communication
2. Improves nutrition and eating habits
3. Improves literacy development among preschoolers
4. Develops a protective factor for adolescents against tobacco, alcohol, drugs and low grade point averages

Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine 2004 Study: "Correlations between family meals and psychosocial well-being among adolescents."

The more meals your family has together, the more you'll enjoy these amazing benefits! And remember, keep the meals positive, lighthearted and fun.

More specifically, according to research by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University, children and teens who have frequent family meals:

• Are at half the risk for substance abuse compared to teens who dine with their families infrequently
• Are less likely to have friends or classmates who use illicit drugs or abuse prescription drugs
• Have lower levels of tension and stress at home
• Are more likely to say that their parents are proud of them
• Are likelier to say they can confide in their parents
• Are likelier to get better grades in school
• Are more likely to be emotionally content and have positive peer relationships
• Have healthier eating habits
• Are at lower risk for thoughts of suicide
• Are less likely to try marijuana or have friends who use marijuana

Benefits of Active Play:

• When kids are active, their bodies can do things they want and need them to do. Why? Because regular exercise provides these benefits:
  • Strong muscles & bones
  • Weight control
  • Decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes
  • Better sleep
  • A better outlook on life
  • Healthy physically active kids also are more likely to be academically motivated, alert, and successful. And physical competence builds self-esteem at every age.
  • Source: http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_center/staying_fit/active_kids.html - February 2009
• Many organizations, including government agencies and athletic professionals are tackling the topic of increasing awareness to improve the health of children in America today. Below list a few awareness campaigns currently happening:
  • First Lady Michelle Obama – “Let’s Move” Awareness Campaign/America’s Move to Raise a Healthier Generation of Kids -
    http://www.letsmove.gov/
  • Paul Pierce – Boston Celtics Player, Fit Club 34 – A program that provides children with information, resources and tools to help them become more active and physically fit. -
    http://www.paulpierce.net/community/fitclub34
  • NFL Play 60 – The NFL Movement For An Active Generation -
    http://www.nfl.com/play60
  • American Heart Association/Fit Kids Act – Help America’s Children Get Off on the Right Foot for a Heart Healthy Life -
    http://www.fitkidsact.org/