Did you know that the beneficial effects of family meals on the psyche have been confirmed by numerous studies? Yet, in the rush of everyday life, there is often not enough time and opportunity for the whole family to sit down and eat together peacefully.

Do we really need this time spent together so much? Is it worth stressing about making it happen? Let's see!

Let's clarify: what counts as a family meal?

When we talk about eating together, many people have a nostalgic, idyllic image in their minds: mom cooks a warm dinner for the family, everyone (that is, roughly half the relatives) sits at the table, which is almost overflowing with delicious dishes. Got the picture? 

Yes, indeed... Such moments can be found in most families during a holiday. But not in the rush of everyday life!

The good news is that in real 'family meals' the emphasis is not on the food, but on the word 'together'. Anything and everything can be the perfect ingredient for an ideal family feast: quickly baked pizza from the freezer, ordered dinner, scrambled eggs thrown together in 5 minutes... anything! Because the essence is not the food itself! 

It doesn't matter what... but does it matter where? 

Of course not. You can have a picnic outdoors, in the middle of the room, or sitting in the car... as long as you're together, that's what matters. (However, I boldly recommend spicing up your meals together sometimes! Move outdoors - even to the garden - as fresh air can work wonders!)

So what's the point? 

Yes, you might already guess where I'm heading: what really matters is the connection. Between you. 

And this is achieved when everyone is in the same place at the same time - both physically and mentally! 

Ban electronic gadgets from the table, and try to detach from daily tasks. Just be present, enjoy the food (whatever it may be), and talk! What happened to whom today? What are you grateful for today? What's the plan for the weekend? Any topic is welcome! It's okay if the little one can't yet meaningfully join the conversation! Of course, try to involve them (don't talk over their head throughout the meal), have fun, pay attention to each other!

What if a family dinner is impossible? 

For many of us, the evening hours are when it's realistic to gather the little family together, but if this doesn't work for you for some reason, don't despair! Find another common point! Breakfast or lunch can be just as ideal for a shared meal as dinner! Choose the solution that best suits your family! 

(Believe me, it's worth setting the alarm clock half an hour earlier for a peaceful, shared breakfast!)

Of course, it's not a problem if both parents can't participate in these shared occasions every single time. 

As I wrote: the essence is tuning into each other, connecting, communicating. 

Just this much is enough for a happier, more balanced childhood.