Reconnect to Strengthen Your Family’s Physical Health and Emotional & Mental Bonds
As we enter 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the power of tradition and consider reintroducing (or starting!) the one cherished family custom that may have faded over the years: sitting together and enjoying family meals. No matter the size of your family – whether it’s 2 or 10 of you – family traditions not only serve as a bridge between generations but also provide a sense of reassuring continuity, belonging, and love. With life moving faster than ever in our ‘device-driven world,’ taking a step back to put down the phones and turn off the iPads to gather around the meal table can build stronger foundations and strengthen family bonds.
Do family meals really hold the same value in today’s world? According to many studies, they do!! If sitting at the dinner table every night sounds daunting or impossible, plan for just one night per week to get started! Let’s dust off this old tradition and revive it for your family with healthy meals, beautiful table settings, and topics of conversation that will have your family asking, “what time should I be home for supper?”
Let’s start with some facts. Research consistently shows that eating together as a family offers significant benefits including physical health, and emotional and mental well-being, and shared mealtimes can significantly contribute to the overall stability of the family unit.
1. Improved Nutritional Choices
Research has shown that children who eat with their families tend to have healthier diets, with higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, and other important nutrients. This higher intake can be almost guaranteed when meals are cooked at home and healthy eating habits are modeled. Study: *Pediatrics* (2018)
Head to ZiOlive, The Spice & Tea Exchange, The Pepper Palace and The Honey Pot for a huge variety of healthy oils, spices, condiments and local honey to add flavor and flair to traditional family recipes.
2. Stronger Family Bonds and Emotional Stability
One of the most significant benefits of family meals is the emotional connection fostered across the table. Eating together provides an opportunity for families to bond, share their experiences, and support each other. This consistent interaction builds trust, enhances communication, and strengthens family relationships. For children, the ritual of shared mealtime creates a sense of stability and security, which is vital for their emotional well-being. Study: *Journal of Adolescent Health* (2016)
Consider selecting topics of conversation for “Sunday Dinner” which might include family storytelling, sharing memories of Gatlinburg vacations or planning for the next one, or discussing past family events and beloved holidays. Or, you may want to choose playing spiritually uplifting music and reading scripture from the bible, both of which can be found at God’s Corner.
3. Better Academic Performance
There is substantial evidence suggesting that children who eat regular family meals perform better academically. Shared meals provide a chance for parents to discuss schoolwork, reinforce the importance of education, and offer guidance. The structure and routine that come with family meals contribute to a more organized, focused, and stable home life, which can directly influence academic success. Study: *National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse* (CASA) at Columbia University (2011)
Consider visiting Toy Crazy and Gatlin’s Escape Room for books, puzzles and board games to play after dinner!
4. Mental Health Benefits
Eating together as a family promotes a sense of emotional well-being and mental stability. Studies have shown that family meals can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The shared time at the dinner table creates a space for relaxation, comfort, and connection, which is crucial for mental health. Study: *JAMA Pediatrics* (2018)
Further reduce stress with a walk after your meal. The Day Hiker, Hayloft Comfort Footwear, Life is Good and U Name It have everything you need to make walking comfortable and fun. What could encourage getting outside more than a great pair of shoes, a comfortable jacket and even a walking a stick?
5. Better Sleep Patterns
Family meals can also contribute to better sleep. Studies suggest that children who eat dinner with their families tend to have better sleep patterns. The routine of eating together encourages a stable schedule, which helps children maintain consistent bedtimes and wake-up times, promoting better sleep quality. Study: *Journal of Sleep Research* (2015)
The Lazy One of Gatlinburg and The Sock Shop have all the loungewear, PJs, sock and slippers your family will need to be completely comfortable while they wind down before bed. Want to add to the relaxing atmosphere? Choose a Candle Cottage wax melt or candle in Lavender, Rose or Jasmine.
6. Healthier Weight Management
Families who eat together are less likely to struggle with weight issues. Regular family meals tend to focus on homemade, balanced meals, which helps in managing portion sizes and reducing the risk of overeating. Additionally, the act of eating together – away from the TV or while distracted – encourages mindfulness around food, which plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy weight. Study: *American Journal of Clinical Nutrition* (2014)
Do you enjoy a cup of coffee or hot tea after a wonderful meal? Head to Coffee & Company or The Donut Friar for freshly roasted coffee beans so that you can savor the benefits of improved digestion too!
As you can see, having a traditional family meal around the table is one of the most impactful ways to improve the health, emotional stability, and overall well-being of every family member, and help to build a more resilient family dynamic. But don’t worry about everything being perfect; your time and undivided attention to each other is what is most important.
Ready to get started putting your own twist on this undeniably beneficial family tradition? Head to The Village Shops and you’ll find plenty of opportunities to help you get started.
– Fulkerson, J. A., et al. (2018). *Family meals and diet quality among children and adolescents*. *Pediatrics*, 142(3), e20174248.
– Eisenberg, M. E., et al. (2016). *Family meals and adolescent well-being: A study of family mealtime routines and their impact on adolescents*. *Journal of Adolescent Health*, 58(5), 524-530.
– CASA (2011). *The importance of family meals for academic and behavioral success*. *National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse*.
– Fulkerson, J. A., et al. (2012). *Adolescents’ participation in family meals: Associations with health behaviors and academic outcomes*. *The Journal of Primary Prevention*, 33(4), 215-222.
– Skeer, M., et al. (2018). *Family meals and mental health outcomes in children: A population-based study*. *JAMA Pediatrics*, 172(7), 672-680.
– Minges, K. A., & Redeker, N. S. (2015). *Impact of family meal timing on sleep patterns and behavior in children*. *Journal of Sleep Research*, 24(5), 572-579.
– Vereecken, C. A., et al. (2014). *Family meals and the risk of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents*. *American Journal of Clinical Nutrition*, 100(3), 757-764.
Note: Specific links to studies can be found by searching the study titles or referring to journals and academic sources online. Also, we’ve found https://thefamilydinnerproject.org/ to be an excellent resource that you too may find interesting and inspiring!