Whether it’s dinnertime, homework time or family game night, time spent around at the table with family helps establish life-long healthy habits, in terms of both nutrition and lifestyle. I know in my house we have some great conversations about our plans for the day at breakfast.
We then talk again at dinner time. We ask the kids about their day. Family dinners usually provide the most available, face to face, daily family time. The average time spent in daily, exclusive, parent/child conversation is 14.5 minutes. Studies have also shown that shared family dinners provide the most significant parent/child interactions, leading to improved language development and reading skills, socialization, identity, self-esteem, a sense of belonging, security, etc. Family dinners have even more impact than playing with or reading to children. Spending time with your children at dinner also models good eating habits. I know if I eat healthier and my kids see it, they do too. There are ways to do this without sacrificing what little free time you have. Here are a few suggestions:
- The slow cooker (aff) is your friend. Just fill it in the morning and you'll have a great dinner when you get home (aff) in the evening!
- Prep on the weekends! I cook up a bunch of chicken, so I'll have it all week for salads for myself.
- Have your groceries delivered to you! I use Peapod here in Chicago, but I am sure there is a service in your area. You can save yourself a grocery shopping trip. The added bonus is that I actual do less impulse shopping when I am grocery shopping online, so I spend less money!
- Have family game night involved exercise. My kids love playing the dancing games, and I love that I can get a sweat going! Cardio, here I come!
- Make sure you eat breakfast. It will give you the energy you need to get through a crazy long busy day!
We all have crazy, busy lives. It is hard to sometimes slow down. However, connecting with our children at least once a day is a must for everyone's well being. Since this is so important, I have arranged for two of my lucky readers to receive a gift card worth the amount of a free month’s supply of milk (valued at $18 per month)! Here’s what you need to do:
Free Month’s Supply of Milk Giveaway!
How do you provide a healthy lifestyle for your family?