Family meals - eating together

What do family mealtimes look like in your family?

Lower anxiety and higher self-esteem; The Family & Relationship Centre delves into the importance, benefits, difficulties and traditions associated with family mealtimes.

What’s Your Flavour?

Are you a meal-in-separate-rooms family? Or perhaps TV dinner on laps? Maybe your family eats at different times? Or tea-time might give The Savoy a run for its money in your home. Whatever your current mealtime set up, The Family & Relationship Centre has explored the benefits of sharing mealtimes with loved ones.

Nourishing More Than the Body

Evidence suggests that families who eat together are more likely to converse with each other; sharing stories of the day, talking about concerns and just having banter. Not only does talking and spending time together build connections, but it also has the added benefit of role-modelling and teaching others, especially children, these important relational skills. 

Further benefits of shared mealtimes include:  

• It helps families handle the stresses of daily life and the hassles of day-to-day existence

• It promotes more sensible eating habits, which in turn helps family members manage their weight more easily

• It is associated with lower rates of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, tobacco use, and early teenage pregnancy

• It is associated with higher rates of resilience and higher self-esteem

Source: healthychildren.org

It's Not Always Easy

We’ve all experienced those fraught mealtimes; picky eaters, burnt Lasagnas, family members who prefer to be in their own room or space, so it’s important to work with your families’ lifestyle and not feel pressured to create Brady Bunch style dinner traditions every day.

Be as relaxed as possible about what is eaten, mealtimes are not about expecting ‘clean plates’ or forcing children to eat more vegetables. Nor is it a time to make food a reward so bribery about dessert or sweets after eating are things to avoid.

When thinking about mealtimes specifically with children, buffet-style dining can really capture their imagination. Providing the autonomy to choose the food and amount they put on their plate can *sometimes* mean they are more likely to eat it, an idea that has been championed by the Montessori education method.

Mealtime Traditions

Cookbooks, Instagram, Tik Tok and Pinterest are great places to look for sharing-style mealtime inspiration and traditions. Here’s a ‘starter’ for 10:

BBC Good Food: “Kids and grown-ups will love these family dinner ideas. Our simple suppers include comforting pasta bakes, crowd-pleasing one-pots and speedy stir-fries.”

Jamie’s Family Favourites: “From fabulous family-friendly bakes to simple school night suppers, plus our brilliant budget-friendly recipes, be inspired by Jamie's collection of meal ideas that the whole family can enjoy.”

Tesco Real Food: “Entertain friends and family with our pick of delicious buffet recipes to feed a crowd! We have it all, from tasty starters to impressive mains, sides and scrumptious desserts.”

@GeorginaHayden instagram: “Greekish cookbook: Everyday recipes with Greek Roots by award winning food writer and Sunday Times bestselling author Georgina Hayden.”
 

Denise, a relationship, young person, family counsellor and mediator at TFR Centre says:

“Much like counselling, mealtimes are about trying different things out and seeing what works for you and your family. Even eating together once a week is a great habit, and we know habits form and cement with repetition. With Autumn in the air, maybe your family mealtime looks like BBQing on an open fire or taking a flask of soup to enjoy after a walk together?”  

Thought to Digest

Remember that mealtimes are more than the food or sustaining your body’s needs; they are an opportunity for regular social connection with your nearest and dearest, whilst exercising your social skills; the impact of which will be felt by those away from the dining table too.

Happy meal sharing!

To contact The Family & Relationship Centre to book an initial appointment or find out more about relationship, family or young people counselling call 01708 441722 or fill out the contact form here.

To read more about family mealtimes, checkout The Family Dinner Project.

23rd September 2025