October is National Eat Better, Eat Together Month. Incorporating a family meal time into your family’s schedule is valuable as it offers a time for family members to connect, a time to model a nutritious diet for your children, and a variety of opportunities to encourage children to participate and become independent in the tasks that are required to make a meal.
While this may not be feasible every night, a great starting point is aiming for one night a week or a weekend brunch. You could then build upon that once it becomes a routine.
Ways to include children in creating a family meal time:
- Retrieve a number of items at the grocery store and have your child choose. For example, they have to recall three items within the produce section to grab.
- Set the table.
- Assist in preparation of the meal.
- Follow a simple recipe;
- Wash produce;
- Stir;
- Pour drinks;
- Measure and add ingredients;
- Clear the table; and
- Wash dishes.
Involving children in a variety of mealtime steps can promote a child’s:
- Independence;
- Attention;
- Executive functioning skills;
- Fine motor skills;
- Visual motor skills; and
- Bilateral coordination skills.
Need more ideas? Contact our office. Our therapists can help identify other ways to get your kids involved in mealtimes.
