The expression most commonly used is ……stays together, yet
it means much more than that. Today,
family life is busier than ever. Even
with summertime schedules parents are still getting children to and from
activities: swim team, ball games, babysitters, camp, etc. The down days of
summer are not always as carefree as we want.
It is well documented that families that spend time together
tend to have stronger connections and meal times can be a good time to do this.
Below is an excerpt from an article from a family education website, offering
some tips and support for the importance of doing what you can, when you can,
to keep the conversation going.
Why
Eat Together?
Family meals are
much more than a time for children to sit at the same table with siblings and
parents. Children crave ritual and family meals are a part of a routine they
can count on and take comfort in. Mealtimes may be one of the only parts of the
day when children get to talk with their parents without a lot of other
distractions, including the television, cell phones, texts, games and homework.
In fact, research shows dinner
conversation boosts a child's vocabulary, which could translate into improved
academic performance down the line. Lingering at the table to talk allows you
to catch up on what's happening with your children. Go around the table and
encourage each child to tell the rest of the family about his/her day.
Breaking bread with
your children allows them to model your behavior, which is necessary for
instilling good manners. Eating together offers children the chance to see
their parents eat a variety of foods, too.
It's not always
possible for all family members to be together at every meal. Don't worry about
not being there all the time. Experts say that while eating family meals
together fosters closeness and development, time spent together is what really
matters.
Source:
life.familyeducation.com
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