Many parents don’t realize how much eating meals together as a
family helps their children’s development and well-being in
addition to being known to reduce the risk of obesity and
improve the nutrition of children. Eating meals together is a
valuable lesson and practice in sharing. By eating the same
foods, hearing about someone else’s day, and telling stories,
kids learn to compromise and show respect. Sitting around the
table with the family is a great setting for children to see how
they are a part of something bigger than just themselves. When
you have young children, it is a key time to start eating meals
as a family and develop this lifetime habit. Even babies old
enough to sit in a high chair but not old enough to eat
everything everyone else is eating will benefit from joining the
family at the table. Here are some tips to make mealtimes more
pleasant with young ones: