improves your family’s health? What one activity… helps your kids do better in school?

What one activity… decreases the chance your kids will drink, smoke, or use drugs? builds your child’s self-esteem?

What one activity… helps girls have a healthy body image? builds family traditions?

You guessed it! Sharing family meals can help make these things happen.

It’s the most important 20 minutes of your day… Families share more time together at meals than any other activity.

Share your favorite childhood memory of a family meal.

Why is family mealtime so important?

When families eat together, children are healthier in MANY ways.

What are families eating? Too much: Big portions Calories Sugar Salt Fat But not enough: Breakfast Water Milk/calcium foods Fruits Vegetables Whole grains

Families eating together have: More fruits and vegetables More milk and less soda Fewer fatty, fried foods More nutrients to grow on

When families eat together, children do better in school.

When families eat together, kids are less likely to engage in risky behaviors. Smoking Drinking Using drugs Having friends with risky behaviors

When families eat together, they save money

When families eat together, they strengthen relationships.

When families eat together, they build traditions.

What are mealtime challenges for you and your family?

Keep mealtime SIMPLE.

Are cell phones a challenge at family mealtime?

What happens when TV is on at mealtime?

Mealtime is a great opportunity for parents to teach by example.

Tips for talking together as a family Be curious about your children’s ideas. Listen, listen, listen with respect. Encourage everyone to talk. Look at the speaker. Take turns.

Let’s try a Conversation Starter! What is an open-ended question? Why are they a good idea? How might your family use the Conversation Starters?

Eat five family meals together each week.

How can you overcome the challenges? Step 1: Talk about family mealtimes Step 2: Make a plan together Step 3: Set ground rules

“One positive thing I will do for our family mealtime is…”

Strong Families Eat Together Mealtime is a powerful and pleasant experience when families: Value it Share their ideas about it Plan ahead Make it happen

Questions? Thank you for completing the evaluation. Some photos used with permission of the American Dietetic Association. WVU Extension - Families & Health Programs