Good reasons for eating as a family

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If you struggle to find time to eat as a family, read on. It turns out that research shows that eating together at least 3 times a week can have major benefits for your children.

Better academic performance

According to Harvard Medical School, chatting while eating together increases children’s vocabulary by about 1,000 words, compared to just 143 from being read to.

Apparently, a school child’s level of achievement is powerfully influenced by eating together, even more so than time at school, playing sport, doing art, or doing homework.

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Higher self-esteem and better resilience

Emory University psychology researchers report that children who often eat together with their family have higher self-esteem, are more resilient, and interact better with their peer group.

They also know more about their family history and learn how to cope with the adversity that life throws at them.

Decreases risk of substance abuse and depression

Columbia University’s National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse reports that children who have frequent family dinners are far less likely to try drugs than those who don’t.

It turns out that family dinners reduce the risk of a child developing depression, or turning to drugs or alcohol.