5 Ways Family Meals Serve as Important Reminders for Children

Eating together as a family serves many functions, with the physical act of eating being only one of these. Families who break bread together on a daily basis tend to be closer, mentally and physically healthier, and more likely to share any difficulties they may be facing. The Diocese of Orlando has compiled a list of many of the benefits children receive from sharing a family meal. Invite your children attending one of the Dioceses’ Orlando private schools to a scrumptious family gathering and let the fun begin! Serving OthersGive your children chores before and after dinner. Have one of your children set the table while the other child mashes the potatoes, for instance. After dinner, have someone clear the table after each person takes his or her plate to the kitchen. Loading the dishwasher or washing dishes is another task you can assign, as well as clearing and wiping off the table. The act of serving others by shopping, preparing, and cleaning up will make the family feel a necessary part of the meal. MannersLearning to properly hold a spoon or knife, eat while holding a conversation, requesting and passing food, sitting up straight, and asking permission to leave are all important table manners. Model these actions and compliment your children when they use good etiquette while eating. CommunicationIf you have ever been in a social setting where one person seems awkwardly out of place, chances are that individual has not had the opportunity to practice small talk with others. Eating in a small group every night gives children a chance to work on communication skills, such as telling a story, relating an incident, developing a punch line, and holding firm when a sibling or parent challenges a statement. Siblings are sometimes bluntly critical to each other and act as sounding boards as your children hone their oral communications skills. ListeningShow your children respect by listening attentively to their stories rather than dismissing these anecdotes as unimportant. Set rules for the table: when someone else is speaking, stop talking. Practicing this habit will enable your children to become better listeners – and better friends. Visitors and adults will definitely appreciate the good manners your children have when they listen rather than interrupt. RespectCommunicating is not a one-way venture; as noted above, listening is an important concept. Teach your children that their story may be intriguing, but dominating the conversation during the entire meal is not respectful. Show your children how to reach out to others by initiating a conversation with them (“did you score any goals in your soccer game?”) and keep the conversation moving around the table rather than focusing on one person throughout the meal. Your family meals will be the talk of the neighborhood with these helpful hints. Even better, the skills your children learn will enhance their social skills throughout their lives. Plan meals with your family at least three or four times a week if possible. And remember, these family times can be a snack, brunch, or breakfast rather than the evening meal. Your child will benefit greatly from these habits. Contact the Diocese of Orlando at 407-246-4800 and read our blogs to learn more about good habits reinforced in our Orlando private schools.