Relationships

Family dinners are sometimes looked upon as hectic and frustrating; however, there are several good reasons why families should eat dinners together such as strengthening the ties between family members. Talking, catching up and spending time with loved ones, can be a great and comforting way to end the day.

Family dinners lead to healthier food choices

Some studies have been done that show that when families eat dinners together, the meals are more well-balanced, with more fruits and vegetables and fewer fried foods and soda. In addition, evening dinners also have larger amounts of key nutrients like iron, calcium and fiber.

Better Grades for children and opportunities for new foods

It is important to note; there is a direct link between higher academic performance and dinner with family.

1. It seems that dinner with family is not only more nutritious but also a motivating factor in helping children to do better at school.
2. In addition, dinner with the family is a golden opportunity for children to try different foods.
3. Often when different foods are eaten in the evening, they become foods that are served more often at dinner time.

Happiness and dinner with the family

Keep in mind; dinners with the family may also lead to greater happiness within the family unit. When children eat with their parents on a regular basis, they are more likely to have better mental health and be emotionally stronger than when eating meals at a restaurant. In addition, research has also shown that when teens ate regularly at meals, they were more likely to have good manners, communicate better and be adjusted.

Save money; eat at home and have more control over portions

Thousands of dollars are spent each year eating out; in some cases, up to $3,000 dollars a year or more. Every time you eat out, it adds to your food budget and before you know it, it is taking a huge amount of money from your monthly and yearly finances.

1. Most importantly, the average meal you eat in a restaurant has at least 60% more calories than a meal that comes from your home.
2. Keep in mind; portions that are served in restaurants continue to grow. Just take a look at what is being promoted on TV and magazines for fast food and sit-down restaurants.
3. When you combine these facts with how eating at home affects our diets, then you may come to the conclusion that it is healthier to eat at home. And, by eating at home you feel less stress.

To conclude,dinner with the family is sometimes looked upon as hectic and frustrating; however, there are several good reasons why families should eat dinners together such as strengthening the ties between family members.

When it all boils down to it, family comes first. There’s no way around it. Your family is the backbone to your being. You need to treat them with the utmost love and respect. However, there are times where life gets busy with school and work that it can get a bit difficult to make time for the more important things. When you improve the quality of life with your family, it shows in other sectors of your lifestyle. It’s all about having the right balance between everything so there’s more harmony. Here are some tips to help improve your family relationship.

Do More Family Activities

One of the keys to a good relationship is doing things together. Whether it’s a weekly thing where you and your kids go to an event on Saturday, or have a family night on Thursday or Friday, it helps keep engaged. You get to share in laughter and fun you wouldn’t have otherwise during the week. This is a good way to bond and share things. You shouldn’t be just strict parents or lay down rules all the time. You should show a bit of fun and enjoyment because you and your kids need that after a busy schedule. This kind of activity helps you draw your family closer and increase the like and love factor. Keep this in mind when you feel things become stale.

Communicate with Each Other

Whether something is bothering you or your kids or there needs to be changes made, you need to speak on things. You should keep things so distant from your family that it begins to eat you up inside. No. Have a family meeting and get things together under one accord. This will help to ease the load and also build character during tough times. Even if it’s something small like doing a set of chores, this will help the family become more responsible as a unit. You can spread the work out and it’ll make things easier to manage in the household.

Have a bit of “me” time

We all grow tiresome of the same routine. Why don’t you go out for a jog or enjoy some time with your friends? This is healthy because we all need time away. It helps ease your mind and it gets you to moving in some other direction that makes you appreciate your family more. At the end of the day, you should still be able to do some of the things you liked to do when you didn’t have a family especially when they only enhance your life.

Be Patient

Not everything is perfect. Sometimes, a family member may make a mistake. It’s okay to be angry but then you should talk and find out what happened. There’s a certain trust and care that goes into being patient. It’s harder for a family member to reach out when they think you’re constantly judging them. Show that you care and love them no matter what happens. This way you can deal with trials and tribulations much easier.

These are just a few ways you can improve your family relationship. It takes time and patience to build with your family. However, it can be one of the most rewarding things in your life.