Eating Together Tips

Busy schedules can make planning regular family meals difficult. These tips can help you get started:

Start with one night a week and work up

If your family doesn't eat together often, start with one night a week, perhaps on the weekend when there is more time.

Plan

Make a plan for the meal. What will be served? What time will it be? Include the whole family in making the plan.

Set a goal for three family meals a week

It may take time to get there, but the more often your family eats together, the better.

Make family meal time regular

Making a pattern for eating together is important for making sure everyone can be there. Set a time and day that works for everyone.

Serve a variety of food

Mix family favorite with new foods. Encourage everyone to try new foods, but don’t turn it into a fight.

Make it a time to connect

Shut off the TV or other distractions. Talk together as a family.

Be a role-model

Meal time is a great time to show your children healthy habits. Enjoy eating your fruits and vegetables. Talk about fullness. Encourage a positive feeling about weight and food.