Written by Brandy Centolanza
I’ve read several articles and written about the benefits of families sharing meals together, and I feel whole-heartedly that it’s very important for family life. Studies show that families who eat together are more likely to eat healthier meals, and teenagers who dine with their families have better grades and are less likely to engage in risky behavior and develop eating disorders.
Now that summer is in full swing, I am fortunate enough to share breakfast, lunch and dinner with my children, and those are the times when we have our best conversations and really listen to each other. It’s usually at breakfast when my children are the most curious, rattling off questions about life. Some questions are simple (and entertaining) like: “Was the state of Indiana named after Indiana Jones?” “Does Mrs. Claus help Santa deliver presents on Christmas Eve?” and “Why isn’t an octopus an arachnid even though it also has eight legs?” Other questions are more complex: “Why do boys and girls have different body parts?” “Why are some people right-handed and some people left-handed? Why can’t we all be the same hand?” “Why do people sue other people?” When I am unsure how to answer, I either ask them what they think, or we search the Internet together to keep the conversation going. We’ve covered an array of topics while eating: money, God, bullies, the Boston bombings, personal responsibility. Children are curious, and even though some of our discussions are unpleasant, they are worth having. We’ve laughed and cried and argued together at the dinner table, sometimes all during the same meal. It’s what makes a family a family. I know not every family has the opportunity to share every meal together, but I do encourage you and your family to share at least one meal a day together, and really listen to each other. Ask questions on your car ride to summer camp, take an evening stroll together or grab a cup of fro yo and really tune in to each other, discover what is on each other’s minds, and enjoy being a family.