Eating meals together as a family just might be the ultimate parenting hack. What else can you do in under an hour that has been shown to improve your kids' academic performance, increase their self-esteem, and reduce their risk of depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, and obesity?
Over the last two decades, study after study has shown that simply taking a few minutes each day to turn off screens and genuinely connect with each other over food can improve the physical and mental health of all family members involved.
Not only do family meals help you connect and bond, but they’re also a great time for you to model healthy eating habits and encourage fussy eaters to try different foods. Our little ones are sponges. When they see us trying and enjoying different foods, they’re more likely to do the same and develop positive associations with food and mealtimes.
Here are my top 3 tips set the table for success with your little ones!:
1.Play music! Listen to songs that create a playful and enjoyable ambiance at the dinner table. Sing along to the Catchy fam’s favourites with our Mealtime playlist on Spotify here.
2. Add pops of colour to the table! Whether its florals, fun decor or mixing and matching your dinnerware, make it visually pleasing so your little one is drawn to the space! Mix and match our favourite feeding essentials!
3. Set them up for success by using kid friendly feeding ware (and catchy of course)! Your little human can master their self feeding skills using cutlery, designed for their little hands creating a sense of inclusivity and self-efficacy at the table.
With the holidays around the corner, I invite you to make mealtimes magic by eating a meal together with your child - even just one meal a week! If you don’t usually eat together as a family, don’t panic! It’s never too late to start. Check out our latest reel to watch more.
