Everyone to the table, please!

Cooking and eating together has great cultural and social significance. It is also a unique opportunity for parents to teach important social skills and bring structure to family life . Eating meals together, for example, strengthens a sense of togetherness and community spirit. Value systems and cultural customs are passed on during shared meals. Children also practise their communication skills and learn a sense of duty.

However, it is not always easy to stick to shared mealtimes in hectic family life. Especially as children get older, the interests of family members diverge more and more and daily routines change. Nevertheless, for the reasons mentioned above, it is worthwhile for all family members to gather around the table at least once a day. To make this family time a success, you should take the following tips to heart:

• Involve your children in the menu planning. Balanced meals contain proteins (meat, fish, milk and dairy products, eggs or pulses), sufficient vegetables and a starchy side dish (cereal products or potatoes). Days with pizza or chips with nuggets are permitted, but should be declared as an exception.
• Distribute tasks such as serving, assisting with cooking and clearing up in advance. Working with knives and hot hobs is not suitable for small children.
• If possible, plan meals at regular times. Fixed structures help children to develop a sense of time and a routine.
• If possible, meals should be eaten without distractions. The absence of televisions, mobile phones and books promotes more conscious eating and communication with one another.
• Arguments between siblings are part of everyday family life. If the only point of contact is the dining table, there is a high risk that arguments will also take place during shared meals. Encourage your children to spend time together away from the table.
• Always keep a few vegetable sticks in the fridge, so you can curb your children's cravings with a small aperitif and save time when cooking.
• Set a good example and stick to table manners and eating rituals yourself.