Do not settle for an email blasting service or a newswire overloaded with financial statements. Standard Newswire gets your news into the hands of working journalists, broadcast hosts, and news producers.
Find out how you can start using Standard Newswire to
Sign Up to Receive Press Releases:
Standard Newswire™ LLC
209 W. 29th Street, Suite 6202
New York, NY 10001, USA.
(212) 290-1585
Contact: Den Trumbull, MD, FCP, American College of Pediatricians, 352-376-1877
GAINESVILLE, Fla., Dec. 17, 2014 /Standard Newswire/ -- The American College of Pediatricians encourages parents to recapture the benefits of the Family Table ― the practice of families regularly eating meals together. Over the past three decades, family time at the dinner table and family conversation in general has declined by more than 30%. The experience at the meal table has also declined in quality with the increase in distractions such as television watching, text messaging, Smartphone apps, and busier lives. A barrier frequently cited by parents to achieving the Family Table is too little time for meal preparation and family gathering due to child and adult schedule conflicts.
Research reveals many benefits for family members (parents and children) who eat meals together on a regular basis, including healthier eating habits, less obesity, better family communication, fewer behavioral problems, less television watching, less stress, better school performance, less bullying at school, and a lower risk of drug abuse. The following suggestions will help parents create a healthful family table at home.
- Eat together as a FAMILY whenever you can.
- Designate a LOCATION for eating meals; the kitchen table is a great gathering place.
- Serve a healthful VARIETY of foods.
- TURN OFF the TV and all personal electronic devices (cell phone, tablet).
- Encourage PLEASANT and respectful conversation.
- Require that EVERYONE STAYS at the table until everyone has finished eating.
- ENJOY the moment; don't rush the meal.
Dr. Den Trumbull, president of the American College of Pediatricians, notes, "The simple practice of regularly eating meals together is a powerful tool for improving family relationships and individual health. Make it a priority and start early." For more on the Family Table, go to Best4Children.org.
The American College of Pediatricians is a national medical association of licensed physicians and healthcare professionals who specialize in the care of infants, children, and adolescents. The mission of the College is to enable all children to reach their optimal physical and emotional health and well-being. For more information about the College, please visit our website www.Best4Children.org.
