vocabulary. Researchers think that’s because that kids emotional well-being and can offer advice and support
constantly hear parents use new words during conversation. when needed. As a result, these kids also have higher self-
Higher Grades
esteem and trust others more.
Stronger Family Bonds
These intellectual benefits carry over into
academic achievement. Researchers have Finally, researchers have learned what
discovered that how well kids do in school we all probably know already: eating
is determined more by how often they dinner together enhances family bonds.
participate in family dinners than by whether they do their Kids whose families have regular dinners
homework consistently. Kids who dine regularly with their are much more likely to have good relationships with their
families are twice as likely get A’s in school than those who parents and siblings. Kids say that talking, catching-up, and
only do so rarely. just spending quality family time are much more important
Fewer Risky Behaviors to them than what’s on the menu. Simply put, eating dinner
Having family dinners is also good for kids’ of belonging to a family. Dr. Fishel puts it well: “Dinner is a
emotional health. When they dine with
their families, they’re much less likely to
suffer from eating disorders, abuse alcohol
or drugs, or experience stress and depression. Researchers
believe that’s because parents who spend time with their
together creates a strong sense of togetherness and feeling
time to relax, recharge, laugh, tell stories and catch up on
the day’s ups and downs, while developing a sense of who
we are as a family.”
Happy Dinner!
kids at the dinner table are more in touch with their
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