A poll of 2,000 parents found mealtimes are often cut short by tech, with 16% checking their phone or tablet at the table, and 24% watching TV
A survey of 2,000 parents with kids revealed that 16% rely on mobile phones or tablets at meal times, whilst a whopping 24% park themselves in front of the telly.
On average, broods manage to gather for four dinner-time meals each week – yet 66% pine for more occasions to dine as a unit.
Clashing timetables obstruct 26% of families from convening at the table, with 17% thwarted by varied culinary tastes and 15% held back by other duties.
Alas, one in 10 carers confess they can’t make it back on time, with 7% lamenting that their kin simply aren’t keen.
Reds defender Ibrahima Konate and goalie Vitezslav Jaros took a moment with AXA Health to reflect on the significance of joint meal times during their upbringing and its enduring influence.
Konate reminisced: “It’s very important. At home I have six brothers, a sister, plus my parents.” Post moving out, he said: “When I started to live alone and have dinner alone, I felt the difference completely. The mood when you eat with people, it’s better.”
He highlighted the value of family dinners as prime scenarios for tackling difficult topics, given the meal serves as an incidental diversion.
Konate observed: “I think it’s the right moment to talk. Everyone enjoys the food, and they can be honest with you, because they have something to do, not just speak.”
Jaros chimed in on the conversation, noting: “It’s a chance to have a good conversation and enjoy time together.” The keeper added: “You can talk about your day and what’s going on.”
Dr Imren Sterno, from AXA Health, remarked on the benefits of shared meal times and their importance in families bonding: “Mealtimes are important to help families bond, but it looks like a lot of families aren’t able to do so as much as they’d like.”
Offering advice for families who struggle to find time together, Dr Sterno added: “We all live busy lives so there’s no blame. But for those who can, it can be beneficial to spend time with loved ones, particularly without tech at the table.”
Highlighting the deeper value of such gatherings, Dr Sterno explained: “It gives us a chance to really understand and learn more about each other. Human connection is fundamental for people to grow.”
The survey confirmed this sentiment, with a whopping 85% of parents acknowledging that joint meals offer kids a chance to express themselves.
Other pluses included better family ties (50%), a platform for sharing daily victories and setbacks (43%), and enhancing connections within the family unit (39%).
Some participants felt mealtimes made their children feel more appreciated, content, and provided an occasion to broach significant topics, encompassing family matters, health or issues affecting society (all 36%).
For parents, the survey showed that 57% were cheerier after dining with their clan, while 33% felt appreciated and 31% supported.
Additionally, 26% reported increased motivation, and one fifth (20%) experienced reduced feelings of isolation.
The research also uncovered that a vast majority of parents, 69% to be exact, felt at ease discussing personal thoughts and feelings with their kin when gathered around the dinner table.
Dr Sterno highlighted the significance of family meals, stating: “The research shows there’s a real benefit for both parents and children when they sit down together. There are overwhelming benefits for all parties, which can’t be understated.
“Carving out that time to connect without any distractions can make you closer as a family and help not only with your family life, but also make you feel happier generally, too.”
