Make mealtimes MATTER

Mealtimes provide an excellent opportunity for parents to teach children good eating habits such as mindful eating, chewing food well, choosing right mix of healthy foods, and dining etiquette

- DR. HIMANSHI KASHYAP

Latter-day fast-paced lifestyles constrain parents from paying sufficient attention to family mealtimes. This needs to change because mealtimes provide an excellent opportunity for parents to teach children good eating habits such as mindful eating, chewing food well, choosing right mix of healthy foods and dining etiquette. Here are some ways parents can make mealtimes matter for children.

Ban screen-time during meals. When children dine sitting in front of any digital screen, they are not mindful of what they are eating and not in control of portions being served. They may either eat less or over-eat. Both are detrimental to health and well-being in the long run. Therefore ban viewing digital screens during mealtimes.