The Family that Eats Together...

I was very surprised in talking with the principal at my son's school when she said, "Do you know what's been proven to be the best way to pull kids test scores up? Having dinner together."

I looked it up and the study she was quoting was research done at the University of Michigan that indicated that "family meal time was the single strongest predictor of of better achievement scores and fewer behavior problems."

According to a study done by the Harvard Medical School, families who eat together are less likely to eat fried foods and drink sodas, more likely to have more fruits and vegetables, and drink more milk. Which in turn, keeps children from becoming obese; odds were 15% lower that the kids would be overweight. Plus, with the good food intake, and increased conversation, kids are healthier and more connected to their families; leading to higher self-esteem and more energy to study.

It doesn't need to be fancy or forced, but it is a great habit to get into. And don't forget to turn off the television and put down the cell phones and books. Look at each other, ask how their days went, which friends they played with, etc. Then you are involved with each other and if something pops up down the road, you are aware of when it started to become an issue.

It will also have the added benefit of helping your marriage, if you're married. It's a nice way to reconnect, find out about each other and finish off a day.

It could help on test scores that day, too. For example, I've been known to give spelling tests over cereal, or hold up flash cards over toast and juice. A good early morning review can only help. But the real benefit is to your family, sharing time and love around a meal.

Some other suggestions for keeping it fun and not stressful,
* If Dad doesn't come home until later, have everyone reassemble for dessert together.
* It doesn't necessarily have to be dinner, it could be lunch on the weekends in the park or breakfast a couple times a week.
* Go out to a restaurant - eating out can be fun and special.
* Have the kids help you prepare it, then they can be in on what you choose to eat, they can learn some math as they are cooking it, and they feel like it's a family meal.

The family that eats together, stays together. It's that important, so make sure you are making the time to do this as a family at least four times a week.

Quoted information taken from http://www.hhs.gov/ohr/eap/newsletter/spring07.pdf.