9781422269862

Even a snack can count as a shared meal.

The teen will probably have to help write up a grocery list and maybe even do the shopping. The meal doesn’t need to be a gourmet creation, and people don’t have to be overly polite and mannerly. Everyone should enjoy the meal, though. The kids need to feel comfortable and know that their ideas are taken seriously. The adults should listen with care, concern, and respect. People should refrain from criticizing and arguing. At shared mealtimes, parents and kids can learn more about one another, how they spent their day, and any earthshaking news that someone wants to report. In essence, family members need to pay attention to one another without constantly looking at their cell phones or the TV. The whole point of eating together is for people to connect and share their thoughts and experiences, and that cannot happen

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Eating Healthier as a Family