As Thanksgiving rolls right around the corner, it is important to discuss the significance of family dinners in a child’s life. Research has found many benefits on a child’s development when they have consistent family dinners. Children having family dinners four or more times a week have been shown to do better in school, improve in mental health issues such as anxiety, and are less likely to be involved in drug abuse. Yet, for an effective and fulfilling family conversation at dinner, several details parents need to consider. First, put away cell phones and other distractions. Removing digital distractions from the dinner table allows families to increase their engagement with each other. Second, ask open-ended questions. One example could be “What was your favorite part of the day, and what was your least favorite part?” Asking this question will help parents to understand what their child is excited about at the moment, and also where they might need more guidance. Parents can additionally ask more general questions that relate to their child’s life at the moment: “How is your team sport doing” or “How are your friends?”

Yet, in recent years we have seen an increased pressure on parents to have a family dinner every night. As family members, we need to understand and acknowledge family dinners will not happen every day. Parents have long work days and kids have many extracurricular activities that happen at night. Therefore we need to have a flexible mindset. While family dinners are one of the best opportunities to connect as a family, the importance lies in making sure the family is talking and staying up to date on each other’s lives and mental states. 

 

Laura Hinsch

Research Assistant, UConn KIDS

 

Article Link: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/decisions-teens-make/202111/the-art-and-science-family-dinner

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