Aspirus: how three weekly family meals can lead to healthier kids, adults

Aspirus Health recently shared information on how regular family meals can positively impact the health of both kids and adults.
“Between school, sports, work, and after-school activities, finding time for everyone in your family to eat together on a regular basis can feel nearly impossible,” Aspirus said in a release. “However, research shows families don’t need to share dinner every night to experience meaningful benefits.”
Just three meals together each week can make a big difference, Aspirus said.
“Eating together helps kids have better diets and lowers their obesity risk,” Aspirus said. “However, the benefits go beyond just physical health.”
“Kids also tend to have significantly lower risk for depression, anxiety, and disordered eating habits when they are able to eat together as a family,” said Dr. Gretchen Karstens, Pediatrician at Aspirus Health.

Aspirus noted that kids aren’t the only ones who benefit. Studies also show that 91 percent of parents say family meals reduce stress in their household.
To get these benefits, meals don’t need to be elaborate or formal.
“It could be pizza movie night on Saturdays,” Karstens said. “It could be that everybody gets together for breakfast on Mondays so that we can organize the week. It doesn’t have to be a fancy meal. You get these benefits whether you’re eating organic vegetables or sandwiches. What’s more important is the atmosphere.”
Creating space regularly where conversations can happen strengthens connections and builds important life skills, according to Aspirus.
“Even when conflict arises or things feel messy, those moments still have significant value,” Aspirus said. “Kids learn from all kinds of interactions, whether they are light, serious, tense, or peaceful.”
“These are key opportunities in our kids’ lives to really impart how to be in society,” Karstens said. “Our ability to manage conflict and engage others in conversation can directly impact how we feel about our own efficacy in groups and socially.”
The U.S. Surgeon General declared loneliness an epidemic in 2023, and it remains an ongoing public health crisis today. One major factor, Aspirus said, is the rise of technology and how often people, especially kids, rely on it for communication instead of in-person interaction. In that environment, family mealtime can stand out as a meaningful opportunity to connect.
“In an era of a lot of communication via text, a lot of communication via email, we have fewer face-to-face interactions,” Karstens said. “Carving out a regular time to sit down and have a meal together could end up being the highlight of your day.”
For more information about building healthy routines for your family or if you want more support, talk to your pediatrician or family medicine provider.
To find an Aspirus provider near you, visit search.aspirus.org/providers.