Family Dinner, a Practice to Preserve

By Bob Simon

Livensley Turene, a medicine student, calls out family members to nurture the family dinner practice in an interview with DC of Tampa on March 29, 2024.

Today, many factors narrow significant practices in human life. Family dinner used to be the time when household members sat down next to each other—eating delicious homemade meals while playing, joking and nurturing their social belonging as humans.

If 73% of American adults say, they view family time as one of the most important things, nine out of 10 say view it either as one of the most important things but not the most important thing, according to a Pew Research Center survey conducted from March 27 to April 03, 2024.

Livensley says, “Finding a time when everyone can sit together for a meal has become a big challenge.” If doing something with family members is getting difficult. It’s because of social and economic challenges.

“A busy schedule is the first biggest challenge when it comes to a family reunion.” Parents and children can’t find commune schedules due to work, school, and other activity appointments. For Livensley, even at the table, phone calls, text messages, and other irregular messages are sources of disturbance during family mealtimes. “TV shows distract family members during mealtime, is another technology effect that takes away family focus from quality interaction and communication,” he says.

“However,” says Livensley, “gathering family members it’s not impossible because a family resolution can help.”

People can still improve that fundamental practice if everyone agrees to prioritize quality time.

“This is the first thing to do,” Livensley says. “Set up guidelines for limiting the use of the device during family mealtimes is the next important decision.”

There are many benefits related to eating meals together. “One of the most important ones is that this habit helps improve interpersonal communication and mental health.” He says, “Regular family visit helps lower depression and anxiety.”

During family dinners, people feel comfortable talking about anything. “Seeing another family member around you is considered moral support,” he adds.

For Livensley, parents have to keep planning family dinners. “This practice helps create a stronger bond between family members,” explains Livensley who believe that family gathered for mealtime habit must expand in every household. This practice allows families to stay connected while sharing life experiences.