Independent studies done recently have shown that children desire to sit down at the dinner table and have a meal with their parents. Also, they tend to eat a well-balanced, nutritious meal when they have a family dinner. Many pediatric dieticians understand that having a meal as a family is an important piece of the childhood obesity prevention puzzle. However with the busy lives families seem to lead these days, bringing the family all together in the same place at the same time can be a insurmountable chore. Between work schedules, after-school activities, errands, and the like, it seems there are not enough hours in the day. However with a few simple ideas and some planning, meal time can be a relaxing and fun filled family time.
Allocate no less than one night per week to have a sit-down dinner with your family. Sunday nights are often a good choice for this event because you have more time to relax and the weekend tasks have been completed. Next, the parents should design unique things to spruce up the family dinner.
Tell an Amazing Story About Cats Night. Suggest it a few of days ahead of time, so people will have time to think. A couple of game rules: Everyone gets to present their story uninterrupted. And each person thanks the person who has taken a turn before him or her.
Make Believe We’re at a Dinner Theater Night. Use our indoor voices, and eat in a sophisticated manner and act polite.
Tell Something Good About Carrots Night. You don’t have to eat it, you just have to look it up and tell the rest of the family one good thing about it.
Pretend We’re on an Island Where There’s Nothing to Eat but Vegetables Night. Be sure to take requests.
Involve your children in the meal planning and preparation. This gives them a strong sense of value and the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy meal planning and preparation.
Avoid outside interruptions. Be certain the television is off, and make it a rule that all phone calls go to voice mail or the answering machine during the meal. Take this time to communicate with one another and appreciate the family’s company. This is a great time to restore and find out what things occured this week. Don’t rush through eating, and teach your children how to do the same in the process. Slowly eating is a healthy habit. Don’t jump up and start clearing dishes and putting things away until all are done eating and talking.
Doing your meals this way at leat once a week will provide a significant groundwork for healthy diet and healthy living for you and your family.
About the Author
Derrel Allen is a father of five, information technology adviser and professional entertainer. Read more about kids party entertainment at his website http://www.magicmarketnews.info
