Family meals for happier, healthier kids and adults

Photo Credit: Jimmy Dean

Let’s face it, humans are pack animals, we aren’t meant to be alone! Experiences that bring a sense of belonging are incredibly important, and nothing brings people together quite like a good meal. Thinking back on family meals growing up brings back fond memories for many of us, but the impact of eating together goes deeper than that. Eating as a family has been shown to benefit both physical and mental health not only for children, but parents as well. Why? Let’s delve a little deeper to find out. 

1. Mentally healthier teens

Families who eat together frequently have shown lower rates of depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and eating disorders in teens. The reason why can lead back to a variety of factors. For one, when parents are able to have quality interaction with their children on a daily basis, they are able to identify changes that may be an indicator of riskier behaviour such as changes in eating habits, friend groups, or academic performance. Parents are also more likely to identify instances of bullying, and therefore able to help their kids address the problem if it is occurring. This time spent together ultimately leads to happier and safer kids. 

2. Physically healthier kids and parents

Children and teens who regularly eat meals with their parents are less likely to be overweight or obese. This makes sense—parents can monitor what their kids are eating and prepare healthier options than the faster snacks and meals teens often choose for themselves. But the affect also leads to healthier parents! Parents who eat with their kids report less diet and binge eating behaviours, as well as reporting to eat more fruits and vegetables. Perhaps parents are trying to set a good example for their kids or cooking when they know they’re family will be eating it may lead to healthier choices when it comes to food preparation. But whatever it is, it’s working in everyone’s favour! And since eating healthier is a passion of ours in any situation, we can’t miss this opportunity to plug some of our plant-based meals and vegan life recipes—check it out and save yourself deciding what to make tonight!

3. A more sober present and future

Children and teens who regularly eat with their parents are shown to be less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. And this affect doesn’t just apply to their younger years. Adults who reported eating regularly with their families as a child remain less likely to report incidences of drug abuse as adults. 

4. Better relationships

When it comes down to it, eating together is an opportunity to spend quality time as a family—that’s what’s most important. Busy schedules or night shifts might not make regular, family meals possible for everyone, and that doesn’t mean your family is doomed. If you are able to have consistent family time in another way, that’s also a great option! But for those of us who have the privilege of being able to schedule daily family meals, the benefits of eating together are hard to ignore. And having a dedicated time where parents and kids always know they can share and connect as a family is a great way to ensure family time doesn’t get lost in the hustle of everyday life. So, turn off the tv, prepare something the best you can, and start a new tradition. One that your kids can then pass down to their families for happier and healthier generations to come.