Family Tips: Making Family Mealtimes More Enjoyable
In an ideal world, mealtime would be a time for your family to connect with each other, catch up on everyone’s experience of the day and enjoy each other’s company.
Unfortunately, the reality is often far from this ideal scenario and dinner time can be a source of stress and conflict. Here are some tips for making your family meal times more enjoyable for everyone:
Planning and Preparation
- Have a regular starting and ending time for your family meals. Create a routine around when the family eats together, this will help with planning. It also helps to reduce resistance from younger children to sitting down to the dinner table.
- Allow at least 30 minutes for your mealtimes to avoid rushing. Young toddlers may not be able to sit for that long but do encourage them to eat only at the table.
- Get children involved in planning and / or preparing meals if you can. Even something simple like pouring water into cups or adding dressing to the salad helps children feel part of meal preparation.
At the Table
- Use your time around the table as a way to connect with each other as a family. Have all phones, tablets, TVs and other devices switched off and talk! You can go around the table and have everyone name their favourite thing from their day.
- Reward young children for good behaviour at mealtimes explaining specifically why that behaviour is appreciated. To encourage healthy habits, best to avoid using food as a reward, bribe or punishment.
- If you have a little more time, such as on the weekend, mix things up a bit by eating somewhere different – in the garden or in a different part of your house. Or invite someone for dinner or create a theme for your meal.
We hope these tips will help make family mealtimes more enjoyable for you and your family!