Today's families: nuclear (and at the same time diverse), with little time to dedicate to each other ... on more occasions than we would like, rushing is part of our daily lives. And with the rush comes stress and lack of warmth, just the opposite of what children need to develop harmoniously. There are several factors that contribute to this situation, and not only the schedules of mothers and fathers, but also the excess of homework (which we have sometimes talked about on the blog).
To find a good solution we should think about big changes, but what we are going to propose today is simpler. Many times you have heard or read about family meals and the importance of sharing a table with children. Actually, even that apparently simple act is difficult, that's why we are going to focus on dinners, and we are going to encourage you to be part of the change: it is more than sitting together.
It seems clear that in the morning, and although we sport in time to have a good breakfast, we are at the service of the clock, in addition, there are so many families in which one of the parents has already left while the children eat! At noon (and according to data from the Ministry of Education, (as this post told us) 40 percent of the students are eating in school canteens, and a significant number of girls and boys eat at their grandparents' house. We also discard this meal and go to dinner as the ideal time for a family reunion.
Family dinners: more important than you think.
Well yes, and although you are thinking about the value of communication and the pleasure of seeing all your faces without having to run anywhere; I would like to start this section by telling you that dinner should provide no less than a third of the nutrients of a balanced daily diet. One third! Do you realize how important it is to carefully plan this meal?
The last meal of the day (which we will have at an early hour) should not be a snack since it is the one prior to several hours of fasting; It is also not healthy to eat anything without thinking about the groups of nutrients (vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins ...) that the children have previously ingested. It is one of the three important meals, and probably the only one that we all make together.
The benefits of dining as a family
They are more than you can imagine:
- An ideal space for communication and exchange of experiences is generated. It also allows children to express themselves and be heard, rehearse communication skills and increase their vocabulary.
- We can tell our experiences and find shared solutions to the problems that have arisen during the day.
- Dinner is a good space to transmit values and to teach the little ones in the house the importance of eating habits and why not? of correct behavior at the table.
- Dining together gives security, makes us feel 'part of'.
- It is a good idea to establish that routine because routines are predictable and give you peace of mind, confidence.
- If we do not reduce the act of dinner to 'eating together' there is an opportunity to help prepare, select food and contribute to setting and clearing the table ... children learn very useful socialization skills.
- It seems proven that dining together is a predisposing factor for better school performance.
- Dining together relaxes and prepares us for a good night's sleep.
Things to avoid during family dinner
Nothing to watch TV, answer whatsapp or let the child finish the game with the portable console while you eat together. Forget controlling and focus on enjoying yourself: always speak positively with your children, they are people and not a problem. Be kind and set an example, in behavior and acceptance of food. Do not blackmail: nothing about 'to eat the boiled one if you want dessert', if there is dessert it is for everyone, if your children cannot handle the whole plate, put half of it, also remember that the best dessert is a fruit.
Families with children: recommendations for dinner time.
To start with, some good advice: dinner is better to start between 8 and 8,30, you already know that some time must elapse before bedtime, and that way you make sure you have time to enjoy and share.
- Consider dinner an important occasion.
- Review the school menu weekly to adjust nutrients at dinner time. For example, if you have eaten chicken at school, you will not need to include a lot of animal protein at dinner.
- Always a serving of raw vegetables (salads), boiled or roasted. Take an interest in the vegetables they like, give them a try from time to time those they don't know
- Invite the children to prepare the menu of scenes for each day of the week.
- Teach them to set up and clear the table, load the dishwasher, sweep the floor. Shared tasks are a lighter burden.
- They can cook simple things if you are present: trust and let yourself go.
- A smile and a friendly face is your best contribution: you don't have to get angry or yell to express your discomfort if a food has been dropped on the floor (for example). You are all part of a whole.
Family dinners: at home or…?
I would like to take advantage of this space to comment that nothing happens if from time to time you decide to have dinner with the children away from home. It will be on the weekend, or on vacation, or any day you have something to celebrate, or simply want to give them a new menu to try. As you know, IKEA It is characterized by thinking about the needs of families, and in addition to creating comfortable and friendly spaces that you can take home, it has a restaurant that allows you to taste dishes of family cuisine.
Why not? Maybe you don't dare to prepare sushi at home, maybe you don't know how to start cooking Mexican cuisine… they do it for you. And for children it would be a very pleasant experience to discover all these novelties.
Here you have more information, But I assure you that the combination of nutrients is very adequate, the value for money is worth noting, and the environment they offer you is unbeatable.. Don't you feel like it?
Otherwise it is the same: a table to share, a few smiles to exchange, and a lot of time to tell you things.
