Family Meal Time

Family mealtime provides an opportunity for togetherness. "Breaking bread” allows individuals to share their day, talk about current events, and process their thoughts and feelings. Both typical and neurodivergent children benefit from frequent family mealtimes. However, this especially impacts families affected by special needs. The family table provides space for those with special needs to practice social skills and behaviors. 

Even just one family meal a week can have the following benefits: 

INCREASED 

• Self-esteem & resilience 

• Heart health & eating habits 

• Vocabulary & academic success 

DECREASED 

• Risk of depression 

• Risk of obesity & eating disorders 

• Risk of substance abuse & teen pregnancy 

It can be chaotic to get meals on the table. Here are some tips to make mealtime easier: 

- Plan ahead! 

- Keep it simple: 

• Bagged salad kits & pre-cut fruits/veggies 

• Frozen & microwaveable sides 

• Grab a rotisserie chicken for multiple meals 

• Ready-made breakfast items

Here are some tips for dinner when a family member has special needs: 

Know your goal: Is it to eat or to be relational? This will influence what strategies you choose. 

• Establish a routine 

• Involve them in the cooking / preparation as much as possible 

• Offer two choices (no more or less) 

• Serve smaller portions 

• No tech at the table (for adults, too!) 

• Allow extra time to eat 

• Provide visual cues 

• Model how to eat the food 

• Kiddos with G-tubes also benefit from family mealtime 

• Be flexible! 

• Celebrate the wins, big and small!