Strengthen Families

Family Meals Eaten Together Weekly

35
30 25 20 15 10 5 0

Percent

7 or more

5-6 times

3-4 times

1-2 times

Never

Survey of 50 People

Positive Effects

Better adjusted children Greater academic achievement More likely to eat healthier foods Less likely to be overweight Less likely to abuse alcohol or other drugs Lower depressive symptoms

Stronger Family Bonds

Communication Commitment Continuity

Provides Learning Opportunities

Social skills Table manners Basic cooking skills Communication skills Ethnic, cultural, or religious heritage of family

Challenges

Juggling work and home life Scheduling Homework Outside activities Technology

How to Make it Work

Make it a priority Make it fun Keep a sense of humor Eliminate distractions Keep conversations positive or on neutral topics Be a good role model

References
Cook, Eliza, and Rachel Dunifon. Do Family Meals Really Make a Difference? Parenting in Context. (2012):1-7. Web. 11 Sept. 2013. <http://www.human.cornell.edu/pam/outreach/parenting/research/upload/Family-Mealtimes-2.pdf>

Fiese, Barbara H., Kimberly P. Foley, and Mary Spagnola. Routine and Ritual Elements in Family Mealtimes: Contexts for Child Well-Being and Family Identity. New Directions for Child & Adolescent Development 2006.111 (2006): 67-89. Academic Search Premier. Web. 13 Sept. 2013. http://web.ebscohost.com.dbprox.slcc.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=2d45ad7cbd86-4389-9a94-99b672d55bb1%40sessionmgr104&vid=12&hid=122>
Forthun, Larry. Family Nutrition: The Truth About Family Meals. EDIS. (2012):1-4. Web.10 Sept. 2013. <http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1061> Fritz, Gregory K. The Importance of the Family Dinner. Brown University Child & Adolescent Behavior Letter Feb. 2006: 8. Academic Search Premier. Web. 6 Sept. 2013. <http://web.ebscohost.com.dbprox.slcc.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=2d45ad7c-bd86-4389-9a9499b672d55bb1%40sessionmgr104&vid=5&hid=122 https://www.google.com/search?q=family+mealtime+pictures&es_sm=93&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=mWBE UqqvN4WsiAKm0IEQ&ved=0CDAQsAQ&biw=1366&bih=667&dpr=1 Survey of 50 people.