| For centuries, the drawings and photos of happy | | | | see each other during the day, so a few minutes |
| American families dining together have inspired | | | | around a table with time to talk can make a huge |
| and accentuated the American Dream. The world | | | | difference in relationships. Everyone can benefit |
| is changing, and family dining has gone along for | | | | from dining with their families. |
| the ride. The typical family no longer comes | | | | Not all family dining needs to take place at home. |
| together to enjoy a meal at a dining table. | | | | Many families have success going to restaurants. |
| Everyone is simply too busy. Most adults have full | | | | To make family dining easier and cheaper, |
| or part time jobs and single parents have even | | | | restaurants are beginning to offer meal deals and |
| less time between taking care of children and | | | | a fun environment for kids. There are deals at |
| working. Children nowadays can be even busier | | | | restaurants for children to eat free, saving the |
| than their parents! With multiple friends, sports, | | | | adult's precious money, and others where two or |
| activities, assignments, and hobbies, many children | | | | three course meals are offered at a low price. If |
| are constantly on the run doing something or | | | | adults look at ads, coupons, and commercials, |
| another. To some families, this doesn't seem like a | | | | they will quickly find a cheaper dining experience. |
| problem. | | | | Also, environments are beginning to change to suit |
| However, there are proven benefits for family | | | | the needs of families with children. Many |
| dining. Children learn healthy eating habits from | | | | restaurants offer some sort of playground, either |
| their parents at dinner, such as portion control and | | | | indoors or outdoors, that is in complete view of |
| variety. Obesity is a serious issue for children, and | | | | the adults and is supervised. Children are excited |
| family dining may make a difference by teaching | | | | to go when a place to play is waiting for them! |
| children what to eat and how much of it. Children | | | | Even more supply coloring books and crayons to |
| can also learn conversation and socialization skills | | | | keep families busy. Additionally, there are great |
| during dinner through conversing with their parents | | | | kids' menus at a variety of restaurants so every |
| and siblings. Manners, such as posture and | | | | member of the family can get what they want. |
| politeness, may be taught by adults as well. Lastly, | | | | Even waitresses and chefs are more kid-friendly |
| family dining offers a wonderful chance for | | | | and may entertain children! |
| families to bond. A large number of families barely | | | | |