Benefits of Family Dinner

I'd say we eat dinner together at least 99% of the time. When Frank works from home and on weekends we eat lunch together as well. I received an email promoting family dinners, so I guess we are in the minority.

Research indicates that families who eat 5 or more meals together per week have the following benefits;

Boosts vocabulary in young children

Kids eat more veggies and are more prone to try new foods
Lowers stress
Lowers risk of substance abuse
Lowers risk of depression
Increased chance of graduating high school
Saves money if the meals are made at home...

Of course, it isn't the act of eating that lends these benefits. Rather, the conversations and the bonding that take place around the table during a meal.

Marie-Anne