For busy families, finding time to eat together isn’t always easy, but coming together around the dinner table regularly isn’t just about keeping hungry bellies full. Family meals nourish the spirit, brain and overall health.
Children who grow up sharing family meals are also more likely to exhibit prosocial behavior as adults, such as sharing, fairness and respect. Research has also shown that with each additional family meal shared during the week, adolescents are less likely to show symptoms of violence, depression and suicide; less likely to use or abuse drugs or run away; and less likely to engage in risky behavior or delinquent acts.
If you struggle to make family mealtime happen, try these tips from the experts at the Food Marketing Institute Foundation, creators of the National Family Meals Movement, which aims to help families reap the benefits of enjoying more meals together at home.
- Plan ahead. Prepare staples or extras of your favorite recipes that you can refrigerate or freeze to use when you’re rushed for time.
- Mix and match. Challenge yourself to see how many different ways you can use a grocery item until it’s gone
- Incorporate the kids. Involve your children in shopping, meal planning and preparation whenever possible.
- Plan your family’s plates by making sure you're getting all the food groups over the course of the day.
Dinner ideas for busy school nights can be such a chore. Don’t fret, this recipe from Culinary.net is easy enough for the kids to help, too.
Cheeseburger Turnovers
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup onion, chopped
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard
1 can flaky biscuits
1 cup shredded cheese
dill pickle slices, halved
1 egg, beaten
Heat oven to 375 F. In large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until beef is thoroughly cooked and onions are tender. Drain. Stir in ketchup and mustard. On ungreased baking sheet, flatten biscuit dough to form 6-inch rounds. Spoon beef mixture onto one side of flattened dough. Sprinkle with cheese. Top with dill pickle half. Fold dough over filling. With fork tines, press dough edges to seal. Cut two slits in top of dough to release steam. Brush each turnover with egg wash. Bake 18-22 minutes, or until deep golden brown.