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Maryann Jacobsen

Independent Author & Family Nutrition Expert

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Eating Disorder Prevention (Part 3): How to Maximize the Power of Family Meals

April 1, 2010

What parent doesn’t want their kid to eat a more nutritious diet, have a healthy body weight, excel in school, stay clear of behavior problems and be less likely to develop eating disorders?  Studies show that frequent family meals are associated with all these desirable outcomes. 

Researchers are still trying to figure out what it is about family meals.  Is it the food, good nutrition, family togetherness or the structure?  While it is probably a combination of these things, one thing is for sure: the family meal is a powerful tool in raising healthy eaters.

Welcome to part 3 of our Eating Disorder Prevention series.  Last time we talked about raising children who have a healthy body image.  Now we’re going to focus on helping kids develop a healthy relationship with food.

In addition to having regular meals together as a family, there are specific things parents can do to make this ritual more positive and enjoyable. Let’s take a look… (more…)

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Categories: Feeding School-Age Kids 10 Comments

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Comments

  1. TwinToddlersDad says

    April 3, 2010 at 6:07 am

    What an excellent article!

    Your point about the parenting style is right on. It is also important to consider the parenting style of both parents. When it comes to “connecting” with kids, whether on the dinner table or otherwise, both parents need to be on the same page. When their parenting styles are far apart, they need to have a game plan so their differences do not create a conflict and confusion for children.

    Here is an article I wrote which goes in detail of parenting styles, pros and cons of each, and how to address differences.

    http://bit.ly/awSbTy

    Reply
    • Maryann Tomovich Jacobsen, MS, RD says

      April 3, 2010 at 9:39 am

      Thanks for comment and link to your article. Really helpful information! It’s very important for parents to get on the same page.

      Reply
  2. Meal Plan Mom (Brenda) says

    April 8, 2010 at 8:33 am

    Wow! This is terrific info.! I am a huge proponent of eating meals together and thankfully our lifestyle (and the choices we make in our schedules!) allows us to do that. I have breakfast with my kids every day (no plopping them at the table while I do other things) and lunch every day that they are home from school/preschool. Dinners are ALWAYS together unless my husband has to work late which is rare (thankfully) or someone has a sleepover at friend’s house (again, not the norm). We just move up or down our dinner time so that we can accomodate after school activities, playdates, etc.. It is really not that hard especially if you plan your meals. 🙂

    I was planning to do a post about the importance of eating meals together on my own blog and you have found the words beautifully. I’ll let you know when I get something there if you like.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. How to Raise Kids Who Love Their Bodies (and Don't Diet) says:
    April 4, 2010 at 10:06 am

    […] Previous: 3 Things Every Parent Must Know About Eating Disorders Nect: How to Maximize the Power of Family Meals […]

    Reply
  2. 3 Tell-Tale Signs Your Child is Developing an Eating Disorder says:
    April 22, 2010 at 11:37 pm

    […] even if you put all the protective factors in place — fostering a healthy body image, having regular family meals and declaring a diet-free household — there’s still a chance your child will develop an […]

    Reply
  3. Weekly Meal Plan: Monday May 17th says:
    May 17, 2010 at 8:09 am

    […] meals or how to feed kids.  How can this message not be included when study after study shows the benefits of family meals on weight, fruit and vegetable intake and disordered eating?  Instead it’s the same old […]

    Reply
  4. 7 Simple Ways Dads Can Positively Influence Their Kids' Health says:
    June 17, 2011 at 8:53 am

    […] Be there for meals as often as you can. Everyone knows family meals are important but late hours and demanding jobs can make this tough for fathers. What’s a dad to […]

    Reply
  5. The 10 Essentials for Raising Happy Eaters says:
    March 20, 2012 at 7:50 am

    […] have to be dinner. Look at your schedule and eat together as often as you can, including weekends. Here are some tips for maximizing the power of family […]

    Reply
  6. 7 Ways Dads Can Positively Influence Kids' Health says:
    June 1, 2012 at 8:22 am

    […] Be there for meals as often as you can. Everyone knows family meals are important but late hours and demanding jobs can make this tough for fathers. What’s a dad to […]

    Reply
  7. 7 Ways Dads Can Positively Influence Kids’ Health* By Sarah Koontz, RD | San Antonio Dietetic Association | a mySA.com blog says:
    June 15, 2012 at 5:54 am

    […] Be there for meals as often as you can. Everyone knows family meals are important but late hours and demanding jobs can make this tough for fathers. What’s a dad to […]

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Maryann…

I’m an indie author, dietitian, and mom. My mission is to empower families to create a healthy relationship with food for optimal health and well being. This is the foundation of lifelong health we are missing! Find out more!

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