Family Dinners = Academic Success

Between you and your spouse’s jobs, your child’s schoolwork, and your community involvement, it can be difficult to eat dinner together every night. But did you know that quality, family time over shared meals positively impacts your child’s success? There are a number of benefits to family dinners.

• The University of Illinois did a study of 120 boys and girls ages 7 to 11. They found that children who had consistent family mealtime scored higher on standard achievement tests.
• These students were also 40% more likely to earn A’s and B’s in school.
• Teenagers who eat frequent family dinners are more emotionally content, have positive peer relationships, and healthier eating habits.
• Dr. Catherine Snow at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education followed 65 families over 15 years. She discovered that the conversations around the dinner table more effectively teach children vocabulary and forms of discourse than when you read to them, leading to improved literacy skills.
• Reader’s Digest surveyed over 2,000 high school seniors and compared academic achievements with family characteristics. Eating family meals was a stronger indicator of success than whether they lived with one or both parents!

Of course, eating regular meals together is easier said than done. With busy schedules, it can be difficult to plan meal times together, particularly ones that are distraction-free! Try a few of these tips to incorporate regular family dinners into your routine.

• Prepare meals ahead of time using casseroles or crockpot dinners. This is also a great time to bond with your child! Ask them to wash or prepare any fruit or vegetables, or if they’re old enough, to help cook the meal.
• Turn the television off.
• Use dinner time to encourage your child and tell them you’re proud of them.
• Share funny stories from your days.
• Refrain from discussing things your child has not done yet or reprimanding your child.

As wonderful as it would be to have family dinners every night of the week, don’t feel anxious if this is not possible! Life happens. Sports practices, music lessons, big tests, and even volunteering can interrupt your weekly rhythm. Remember that the most important thing is that children thrive when their family loves and cherishes one another, communicates well, and enjoys spending time together.Lakeland Catholic schools proclaim the Gospel message within an academic environment of excellence that challenges students to be creative and critical thinkers. To learn more about what makes us different, contact us at 407-246-4800.