The benefits of eating as a family

Rounding up the troops for a family meal can be tricky but it's worth the effort as dining together can aid the development of a child's behaviour and social skills.

Recent research suggests work commitments get in the way of 52 per cent of people's mealtime plans while 91 per cent of people surveyed said that dinner was the best time to catch up a as family.

Parenting and child behavioural expert Eileen Hayes says: 'For many families the evening meal is the best opportunity to spend quality time together. Eating the meal on the sofa in front of the TV can reduce the opportunities for communication between family members and impact on the development of children's social skills and good family relationships.'

The benefits of eating a family meal

Developing social skills

Interacting and conversing about the events of the day help develop children's conversational skills as well as their overall communication as other family members discuss what they have achieved.

Learning from role models
 

Children very often mirror the behaviour of their parents so mealtimes are the perfect opportunity to practice good table manners, meal etiquette, and social skills for your child to emulate.

Focus on the family

Family meals can be dynamic - an exchange of ideas, conversation and feelings. It's the perfect time and place to reconnect with the family and to show your child that they are your priority. Sitting across the table is where and when you can find out more about your children's likes, dislikes, and daily life. It can be a unifying experience for all.

Learning to use cutlery

It is often these basic skills which get forgotten in the midst of a busy lifestyle but form an important part of the learning process.

Setting a good example for children's future

Even from a very young age children begin to pattern themselves after their parents. By setting an example early in their development, parents will instil in their children the importance of a mealtime routine, which will continue through into adulthood.