Prioritizing family mealtime can improve family members’ physical, emotional, and social well-being while fostering a supportive family environment.

In addition to providing quality time, eating together does the following:

• Promotes healthy eating habits by including a variety of nutritious foods.
• Manages your budget by cooking cost-effective meals at home.
• Involves your children in the meal-prep process, increasing their chances of trying new foods.
• Provides an opportunity for family members to share thoughts, feelings, or details about their day.

Making Time for Family Meals

Yet, with busy schedules, finding time for family meals can be challenging. If your schedule does not allow for regular family dinners together, here are a few tips:

• If your family can’t eat dinner together every night, aim for three times a week for starters and adjust as needed.
• Is dinnertime too challenging with activities and work? Try hosting a quick family snack time for 10-15 mins instead.
• If none of this sounds doable for your family, try picking one day of the week to eat breakfast together.

The number of days you can eat together is less important than the quality of your time together. Regardless of how often you eat meals together, it is important that you are fully present (hint, hint — no screens at the table).

Meal Ideas

Whether you are on a budget, have picky eaters, or are looking for healthier options, below are a few meal suggestions:

1. On a Budget
   1. Slow Cooker Soup for a Rainy or Cold Day
   2. Traditional Stuffed Shells
   3. Homemade Pizza on a Bagel
       
2. For Picky Eaters
   1. Delicious Dorito Casserole
   2. Breakfast for Dinner | Baked Oatmeal
   3. Classic Chicken & Noodle Casserole
       
3. Healthier Options
   1. Healthier Pasta Option 
   2. Roasted Cauliflower with Hummus
   3. Healthier Philly Cheesesteak

No matter what you choose to eat or how often, focus on consistency and presence. Enjoy this time together!

Learn more tips for building a healthier lifestyle at the YMCA of Greater Brandywine. YMCA of Greater Brandywine is a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening the community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose, and each other through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body.