This year has been one of great isolation as we have all lived with a global pandemic and quarantine has become a way of life for most of us. The holidays are not the same this year as we are all asked to limit the way we normally gather with our extended family members and friends. However, we can still find ways to be safe and well within our family units so that we can outlive this pandemic and enjoy future holidays with the people we love. This is a time to focus on the individuals within our family units.
According to research conducted by the American College of Pediatricians, there are great benefits to adolescents spending time with their families at the family table at mealtime to protect against negative, high risk behaviors. The report explained that conversations among families at the dinner table over the past 30 years has declined by 30%. There have been more distractions from electronic media and scheduling conflicts with parents working multiple jobs or shifts and children often engaged in extracurricular activities.
The Family Dinner Project is a non-profit organization that “champions family dinner as an opportunity for family members to connect with each other through food, fun and conversation about things that matter.” During the holidays, it is a great time to raise awareness about the health and wellness benefits of dining together as a family. The Family Dinner Project. Org lists some of the following:
- Higher self-esteem
- Lower risk of substance abuse
- Lower risk of depression
- Lower rates of obesity
- Lower likelihood of developing eating disorders
- Greater sense of resilience
- Better academic performance
For referrals on nutritional counseling or to schedule an annual physical at any of our convenient Primary Medical Care Center community clinics, you may visit our website at www.primarymed.com, or call (305)751-1500 for our Miami-Dade clinic, or (954)289-0000 for our Broward clinic.
Source: https://thefamilydinnerproject.org/about-us/benefits-of-family-dinners