Your family may be suffering without this one very common item. In fact, I’d say the opportunity you lose as family without this item is bad enough to warrant getting one as soon as possible. If we’re being honest, not using this item is just as unhelpful as not having one.
That item is a simple table.
Multiple studies have shown that children and adolescence especially benefit from gathering around the table for family meals. The National Institute of Health notes that it not only benefits their social development, but also contributes as a protective factor against things like depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance abuse. It also gives an overall increase in wellbeing and self-worth that strengthens the family. Aside from the benefits for the children, there is plenty of research on the benefits shared meals have for marriages and relationships of all kinds.
There are three critical aspects to making sure the family table has the best impact possible for your family:
First, make certain the space allows for face-to-face interaction. Some families try to get away with the television being on during mealtimes, but this can be a major disservice to what you are aiming to achieve. It not only creates distraction, but also diverts a person’s focus from making eye contact with one another by shifting the visual sensory aspect of attachment elsewhere.
Second, use the face-to-face contact to start conversation. Take time to share about your daily experiences. Make sure to highlight wins and share struggles or challenges. Encourage everyone at the table to share, regardless of their age. Some families find it helpful to implement the “mad, sad, glad” list on occasion to jumpstart sharing between them.
Finally, aim for a rhythm that flows from week to week, but still allows for the family to eat together. Various responsibilities and activities (like sports) can disrupt the routine of family meals and make consistency tough. Make sure you plan ahead, and allow meal time to adjust to the schedule. Maybe your family meal is lunch instead of dinner? Maybe you need to meet around a booth at McDonalds to get everyone together between the out-of-house responsibilities? Be flexible, be creative, and you’ll find ways to consistently eat as a family even if it isn’t the ideal situation.
Enshrine family meals as a staple in your family, and you will see a major increase in connection and bonding between everyone.
