Researchers have shown that teens who eat with their families on average five times a week are less likely to be troubled teens compared to those who eat with their families three or fewer times per week. The teens who didn’t eat together as a family as often were more likely to do drugs, be depressed, less motivated at school, and had weaker peer relationships.
What can you consider eating together? All family members are gathered together around the same table at the same time. No one is eating in another room and televisions are off.
So, get your kids started young at eating together but if you are often challenged by the lack of conversation consider buying Dinner Games or Family Table Topics which can both be purchased on Amazon.com. My kids love these games!