Independent studies done recently show that children like to sit down at the supper table and have a meal with their parents. Also, they tend to eat a well-balanced, nutritious meal when they eat a family meal. Many health care professionals believe that having dinner together is a critical piece of the childhood obesity prevention puzzle. However with the overwhelming lives parent and children seem to lead these days, bringing the family all together in the same place at the same time can be a mountainous chore. Between work schedules, after-school activities, errands, and the like, it seems we have less and less time. However with a few innovative ideas and some arrangement, meal time can be a treasured and enjoyable family time.
Designate no less than one night per week to have a sit-down meal with your family. Sunday nights are generally a good choice for this event because you have more time to enjoy and the weekend chores have been completed. Next, the parents should think up ways to spruce up the family meal.
Tell an Amazing Story About Dogs Night. Suggest it a few of days ahead of time, so everyone will have time to think. A couple of ground rules: Everyone gets to tell their story uninterrupted. And each person thanks the person who has taken a turn before him or her.
Make Believe We’re at a Restaurant Night. Talk quietly, and eat in a sophisticated manner and act polite.
Tell Something Good About Broccoli Night. You don’t have to eat it, you just have to research it and tell the rest of the family one good thing about it.
Make Believe We’re on an Island Where There’s Nothing to Eat but Vegetables Night. Be sure to take requests.
Involve your children in choosing the meal and preparation. This gives them a strong sense of value and the basis for a life of healthy meal planning and preparation.
Avoid outside interruptions. Make sure the television is off, and establish that all phone calls go to voice mail or the answering machine during the meal. Take this time to communicate with one another and enjoy the family’s presence. This is a good time to reconnect and discover what events happened this week. Don’t rush through eating, and teach your children how to do the same in the process. Slowly eating is a healthy habit. Don’t jump up and start clearing dishes and putting things away until everyone is done eating and talking.
Doing your meals this way at least once a week should provide a significant foundation for healthy diet and healthy living for you and your family.
About the Author
Derrel Allen is a father of five, information technology adviser and professional entertainer. Read more about kids party entertainment at his website http://www.magicmarketnews.info
