I found it interesting to read the story Family meals now a thing of the past at News.com.au a couple of days ago.
The story tells us that fewer families are sitting down to eat a meal together. We’re told that busy schedules mean that families are eating on the run rather than enjoying mealtimes together.
FAMILIES are rarely sitting down together for a meal and when they do it’s usually later than ever before as longer working hours and other commitments battle for our time.
Experts on social change said it is becoming increasingly difficult for dual-income families to co-ordinate their schedules.
Busy parents were also more likely to cook ready-made meals and make less meals from scratch.
A survey of more than 1000 Australian families found almost a quarter don’t regularly eat together, while almost half of parents said they find it hard to make time for family meals.
The survey, commissioned by food manufacturer Continental, found that just 22 per cent of families shared a meal four times a week or less, while teenagers were also less likely to eat with their families.
We certainly make a point of eating together but one of the dangers we’ve found is eating in front of the television too much. I don’t have an issue with sharing a meal while watching a family favourite on the box but would certainly not want to sit the family down in front of a programme that is just on becuase it’s on.
I also don’t want meals in front of the TV to be the standard. Sitting around the dining room table and having the opportunity to talk about the day or share a joke is one of those things that helps a family grow together rather than apart.
I know that times are very tough for many families and that work committments do take people away from the home far more than they would like but there are some people who take on extra commitments so that they can afford a ‘better lifestyle’ while at the same time they’re losing something far more precious.
What are mealtimes like at your place? Do you enjoy sitting around the table, taking time over a family meal or do you grab what you can when you can? Is it time to review meal habits at your place?
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