with higher social skills and physical health A recent study found that children whose parents used to eat meals in combination had higher social skills and had better physical agility than their peers whose parents were not accustomed to such behavior. According to the study authors, group meals have positive physical and psychological effects on children.
Linda Pagani, a professor of psychoeducational science at the University of Montreal in Canada, says: “Having parents with a child while eating gives them basic social skills, how to listen to discussion on social issues and the concerns of everyday life, and teaches them how to interact with different life issues. A safe and healthy environment, which helps him build better communication skills with others outside the family.
The researchers used data from a previous study on child development in which children aged 5 months to 10 years were monitored. Parents, teachers at school and the children themselves reported on family eating habits since the children were 6 years old.
The researchers found that children who ate regular meals with their parents at the age of 6 years were enjoying better physical health, lower rates of consumption of sugary drinks, and have higher social skills and reduced risk of behavioral problems, compared with peers who are not used to eating regular meals with Their parents.
"Our study results suggest that family meals are not only an indicator of a healthy atmosphere at home, but are also an important part of the child''s educational process," concluded Pagani.
The findings were published December 14 in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics.
