National Family Day began in 2001 and was created to bring awareness to substance abuse issues for adolescents. Research shows families who eat three or more meals together a week, have adolescents with reduced use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. Additionally, family meal time also provides parents/guardians, caregivers, loved ones and children a time to bond through conversation.
With conversations flowing over a meal, it is a great way of building relationships and growing trust, so children know that they have a family member they can talk to and go to when they need help. Moreover, a family meal time allows for children and adolescents to express themselves and share their feelings on a regular basis. An additional bonus to taking part in this day is that it encourages kids to help in the kitchen, set the table, read recipes or mix things together. There is so much that can be learned during this time.
Below are ideas you might consider utilizing at an event to celebrate National Family Day.
- Share a meal
- Meal prep or snack cooking or make/take stations
- Cooking demonstrations
- Recipe reading
- Math in the kitchen
- Watch a cooking/food themed movie
- Play a food-themed game
- Color a placemat
- Practice setting a table