{"id":1526,"date":"2025-04-01T18:15:25","date_gmt":"2025-04-01T18:15:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplestartnutrition.com\/?p=1526"},"modified":"2025-04-01T18:16:57","modified_gmt":"2025-04-01T18:16:57","slug":"the-benefits-of-eating-as-a-family","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplestartnutrition.com\/?p=1526","title":{"rendered":"The Benefits of Eating as a Family"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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The Benefits of Eating as a Family<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The American College of Pediatricians published an article in February 2021 reviewing \u201cThe Benefits of the Family Table\u201d.\u00a0 Here is a summary of why eating as a family is important and ways you can put it into action today!<\/span><\/p>

What is the family table?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>

The family table describes a family eating and spending time together at the table, while communicating in a relaxed setting so ideas and experiences can be shared.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Why are we highlighting eating together?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>

Over the past three decades, family time at the table has declined more than 30%.\u00a0 It was noted that children under 18 reported having family dinner three or four times per week, one third of families with 11- to 18-year-olds only eating one or two meals per week and only one fourth eat seven or more family meals per week.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Why you might ask?\u00a0 There has been an increase in distractions (like watching T.V., social media, texting), too little time (think of all the after-school activities overlapping), and food preparation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

What are the benefits of the Family Table?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>

First, family meals impact the senses (sight, touch, taste, smell of food and listening to family conversation).\u00a0 Next, it gives the opportunity to spend time together and reconnection and share ideas; as well as, build culture and tradition.\u00a0 A special meal for a birthday or food specific to your culture can be brought to the table as a regular occurrence. Family eating also allows children to feel more safe and secure and allows parents to monitor children\u2019s social interactions and moods as well.\u00a0 Lastly it allows children to observe parents\u2019 interactions and communication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Are there more specific benefits to the Family Table?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>

The article goes into detail on many benefits, which you can check out by <\/span>clicking here<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 For now I will highlight 15 benefits that stood out to me.<\/span><\/p>