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In the last decade family dinners have almost disappeared. Meals are often eaten on the run. Some families never eat together and have the grazing approach -- eat what you find. Maria Martin, MPH, RD, a wellness dietitian and member of the Nutrition Coalition, writes about the importance of eating together in "Family Meals," an article published in the "Sierra Sun."According to Martin, fast food, take-out, and television eating are squeezing out family meals. She cites the benefits of family meals: improved nutrition, more language skills, and behavior guidelines that kids need. "Turn off the television and tune into each other," advises Martin.The most startling benefits of family meals come from The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University. It says kids and teens who eat dinner often with their folks:* have half the risk of substance abuse* are more apt to have friends who do not use drugs* feel less tension and stress at home* tend to think their parents are proud of them* are more likely to confide in their parents* are more likely to get better grades* have positive peer relationships* eat healthier* have a lower risk of thoughts about suicide* are less likely to try marijuana or have friends who use itI did not know these things when my daughter, a single Mom, asked if she and our grandkids (they are fraternal twins) could come for dinner every Sunday. My husband and I happily agreed to her request. Our Sunday dinners are more than meal times, they are times to catch up on news, share information, and most important, help our grandkids to know us and us to know them.We have been eating Sunday dinner together for years and over the years I have seen changes in my grandkids. First, they know I buy and fix healthy food. They say "please" and "thank you" and clear the table without asking. Sometimes my grandkids help me fix dinner. They have favorite meals, such as chicken medallions with lemon. Fresh fruit with vanilla sauce is one of their favorite desserts.The twins are 15 now and bring up teen topics at dinner: homework, driver education (the classroom part is boring), band concerts (yes, we'll be there), gymnastics, Girl Scouts, friendships, and summer plans. My husband and I also bring up topics, things like preserving the environment, accurate news reporting, and the importance of fairness and kindness in life.Thanks to these weekly discussions our grandkids know us pretty well. When my granddaughter heard about a local problem she exclaimed, "Don't tell grandma. She will go ballistic!" She was probably right.Sometimes bad weather and appointments keep the kids from coming to dinner. "They miss it," my daughter said. "Sunday dinners with grandma and grandpa are a stable force in their lives." Sunday dinners are the joy of my life. I can hardly wait for the door hinges to squeak, for the clunk of shoes on the floor, and for the kids to call, "What's for dinner grandma?"Copyright 1007 by Harriet Hodgson
Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com
www.harriethodgson.com
Harriet Hodgson has been a nonfiction freelance writer for 28 years and is a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists. Her 24th book, "Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief," written with Lois Krahn, MD, is available on www.amazon.com A five-star review of the book is posted on Amazon. You will find additional reviews on the American Hospice Foundation and Health Ministries Association Web sites.
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