Should Television Be On During Meal Time?
Many families eat dinner in front of the television, but this is not a good habit to start. Although plenty of families get by just fine while dining in front of a television, it can have harmful effects in the long run.
First of all, encouraging your family to eat in front of the television can actually cause them to gain weight. Studies have shown that people who eat in front of the television consume much more than those who sit at the table when eating; this is probably because we tend to get distracted by what we are watching and therefore each until we are stuffed.
Also, family meals can be a great bonding time for you and your family. Eating dinner together is a great way to ensure that your entire family is close, even if you are all busy with work, school, sports and other commitments. By making an effort to eat dinner at the table, with no television or other distractions, you can encourage your family to talk about their day and to bond instead of concentrating on the television. If you watch television during meal time on a regular basis, consider turning it off tonight; you might be surprised by the enriching meal that you can enjoy with your family without this distraction.