Family Meal Time

Turn any meal time into an educational moment! Remind your children the benefits of eating healthy and ask them to describe taste, smell, and touch.

Did you know that you can use breakfast, lunch, and dinner time as a way to bond with your family and children? Here are some easy ways to use meal time as a way to engage your children, help them develop important skills, encourage children to eat healthy, and create great quality time.

What are the benefits of family meals?

• Family meals influence children’s eating habits
• Families bond during meal time
• Parents model good eating habits
• Children spend less time in front of the television
• Children practice social skills and conversational skills

Goals You Can Achieve:

• Have two family style meals together this week. Family-style meals include dividing responsibilities between shopping, cooking, setting the table, clearing the table and washing dishes.

Surprising Facts:

• Family activities influence a child’s school success more than parent’s income or education.
• Children can develop a sense of pride and responsibility as they contribute to family meal preparations.
• Children are more likely to try new foods when they are eating with their family.

Money Saving Tips:

• Planning meals, creating shopping list, and clipping coupons save money and time!
• Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season, and remember frozen or canned fruits and vegetables are healthy options too!

Want more tips and info?

• Please visit www.choosemyplate.gov