Kefir Kommunity

We know, it sounds like a scene straight out of a science fiction movie. Nowadays, families can barely get it together to gather ‘round the table and break bread together. Research out of The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse found that fewer than half of all American families eat dinner together five to seven nights a week.

That’s unfortunate on a number of fronts. Family therapist Carleton Kendrick Ed.M., LCSW, author of Take Out Your Nose Ring, Honey, We’re Going to Grandma’s!, describes nightly family dinners as “the single most powerful daily dose of family love, connection, encouragement and stability.”  Not only does sitting down to chicken cacciatore help strengthen the bond between parents and children, “it establishes a ritual that children come to depend on as part of their supportive family structure and support system -- the one place they may receive daily, unconditional love, support and appreciation.”

And get a taste of these benefits: Research consistently shows that regular family dinners reduce kids’ risk of binge-drinking, drug use, running away from home, and more. A recent study in Pediatrics also suggested that preschool-aged children enjoy a lower risk for obesity if they regularly eat supper with their family.

DO: Play “Roses and Thorns”

Every night at dinner in the White House, the First Family plays a game called “Roses and Thorns,” where everyone takes a turn reporting the day’s roses – the good events — and the thorns — the bad ones. Experts believe such a ritual can help restore a sense of balance to your family while promoting bonding in a fun, casual way. Even better: Research shows that expressing gratitude can boost mood, so maybe your angsty preteen won’t act so cranky.

DON’T: Allow cell phones

Institute a “No phones allowed” law, both at home and when dining out. But you and any other adults will have to follow the rule, too. You’ll set a stellar example and teach your kids that dinner time is family time.

DON’T: Ask the Same Old Questions

Asking, “How was your day at school?” is boooring. Soon enough, your kids will start tuning you out. Instead, try telling them a little bit about your day (“Guess who I bumped into at lunch?”) and see how they respond.

DON’T: Make Them Clean Their Plates

One out of three US children is already overweight or obese; forcing your kids to eat every morsel off their plates can push them in that direction. It also teaches them to ignore their internal fullness gauge, setting them up for portion control problems later in life.

*Some of this information originally appeared on LHJ.com in a slideshow written by Lifeway blogger Leslie Goldman.