Eat together with your child

Have you ever taken time as a parent to think of how often you get to have meals together with your family? Do you value family meals or push them to the bottom of your priority list? Or are you are a workaholic and therefore think you have good reason for not having meals together with the rest of your family?

The family meal, unfortunately, is disappearing fast from our day-to-day activities. In all cultures, this timeless institution was recognised as a vital part of strong, stable family life.
There are various reasons why this tradition is almost becoming extinct in our society. Among them is the high cost of living. Nowadays, both parents in a household are forced to work just to make ‘ends meet’ but even then, the budget allocation for food items is quite strained and meal times are nothing to look forward to.

Other than that, many households have limited space and may not even afford a dinning table, and this hinders any effort the family may make to try and have meals together. For such kind of families, the only logical thing to do sometimes is for individual members to have their meals separately.
However, some parents (fathers especially) claim they prefer to come home when the children have already gone to sleep so they can enjoy some peace and quiet.

But other parents who get home in time choose to have the children eat first so that they (mother and father) can eat together without any interruption or disturbance from the children.
Eating together is the time when everyone can gather after a hard day at work or school to share the day's events.
Having said that, is there any real chance that mealtimes can reinforce family values?
It is believed that children learn a great deal by observing their parents. During the meal, they can find out about family traditions, good eating habits, be exposed to different foods, have interesting discussions and develop self-discipline.

Experts suggest that the family meal helps to develop a deep sense of security, establish a routine and is a wonderful place for parents and children to listen and demonstrate mutual respect.
Children can learn how to listen and also how to share their ideas and views. Parents can also learn to listen to their children and teach them words of wisdom. It is a wonderful way to get to know your children and to understand who they are. Meal time is a great time to gather together and really share about the things we have discovered, the people we have met and our observations from the day. It helps children to develop compassion and respect for others.

Parental influence and involvement is an important tool in preventing substance abuse. Regularly sitting down for a meal with your children is one way to connect with them and be involved with what is happening in their lives. It is an opportunity to find out more about your children's likes, dislikes, and daily life. Having this information can help you direct your children toward positive activities and behaviour.

Having family meals on a regular basis keeps doors of communication open. It is the perfect time and place to reconnect and to show your children that they are your priority.
Regular meals and an established routine give children a sense of security and stability. When a child feels secure, they also feel much happier and find it easy to do well at school, socially and in various hobbies and interests. A stable child is better able to deal with difficulties, stress and emotional upsets. Regular meals are also beneficial for health reasons too. They actually regulate all of the body's cycles - physical, emotional and mental.

Table manners are very important. Not only do they make eating together pleasurable, they also help a child to develop self-discipline and improve their health. Sitting up straight and eating with a closed mouth help to strengthen the digestive system and improve the assimilation of nutrients. Taking small portions and eating everything on the plate shows gratitude for life and all the work that has gone into making food available.
Experts believe eating slowly with small mouthfuls is good for the brain and makes it easier to focus with clarity. Learning to sit still and wait for dishes to be passed can help to develop patience and teach a child the value of being calm and quiet. Teaching a child 'how' to eat is as important as 'what' to eat and makes it easier for them to be strong and healthy.

Small children often have limited tastes. When they observe their parents eating a wide selection of delicious, natural, healthy foods and dishes, it exposes them to the enjoyment of variety. It also helps them to develop a broad outlook on life. Learning to share during the meal shows a child that the world does not always revolve around them. It helps a child to understand the power of giving and receiving.
Sharing food also develops gratitude and helps the body to relax and become open to receiving nourishment. Having your child help set the table or clear the dishes can encourage the idea of giving and receiving. Children can be involved with the mealtime preparation at a very young age even if it is as simple as bringing drinking water.

Having regular family activities to share ideas and find out what is happening is a great way for a parent to be involved, discuss rules, monitor activities and friends, and be a good role model.
The benefits of eating together will last long after your meal ends, especially if you make family mealtimes a regular activity. Take the family meal off the endangered species list and move it back to the top of your priority list.

And probably most important always remember that the simple pleasure of eating together is a time for laughter, fun and sharing love.



Source : www.zambiapost.com