Children, Families, and the importance of family-style meals together

Do not forget mealtimes! Healthy eating with your children.

February 1, 2022; By Judith Ehret STARS Coach, Child Care Connection Bozeman Office

Did you know there are many benefits for children and family members to enjoy when serving family-style meals? Did you know those benefits can also be provided in early childhood care?

Family-style meal service can help achieve important developmental goals for children. Providing nutritious meals to children helps them to create a lifelong habit of healthy eating.

Not only are children getting healthy food options, but children are also getting opportunities to engage in conversation, quality time spent with family or peers, and the choices to try and enjoy new foods. Trying new foods and having choices when it comes to meals promotes a healthier attitude toward foods. Providing a social setting for meals, choices of food, and having the option to serve up what they wish to take improves a child’s lifestyle.

Enjoying family-style meals gives your children this…
• Children learn and practice social and motor skills such as taking turns, sharing, passing, pouring, and scooping.
• Children may take smaller portions of food and know they can take seconds if they want.
• Children can be responsive to their own hunger and fullness cues. This is one of the few things a child can control.
• Eating together embraces an intimate, sharing, family-like environment. It could even be your favorite part of the day! Try it!

If we can embrace the idea and encompass small habits, teachable moments, and baby steps, we can get there. The culture and routine of meals as a family, whether it be with family at home or at school, provide valuable long-lasting traditions and memories for both you and the child. Family mealtimes and family-style meals are when everyone sits down and enjoys a meal together. Families that eat together are healthier and happier. Ask your family to come sit down at the table for a meal together. Stay connected.

Interested in learning more about the STARS to Quality Program? Click HERE!