More Parents Rejecting Nightly Family Dinners — And Experts Say That's OK

Results for - More Parents Are Rejecting Nightly Family Dinners — And Experts Say That's OK

While some parents have embraced that nightly home-cooked dinner with zeal, others are taking a second look and deciding to cut themselves some slack. Leah B. Samler, a psychologist , said “In this day and age, that nightly family dinner often is not realistic,” and encourages the idea of possible rarer, but more relaxed, meals. “Families can have a Friday night pizza or a weekend meal to which others outside the immediate family are invited. That can still help build the skills of paying attention, sharing tasks, preparing food and setting aside structured time to connect.” -Huffington Post Life

1. Growing up, did you typically have family dinner together every night?

Yes

79%

1,654 votes

21%

446 votes

2. If you have kids, did you/do you have family dinner together every night typically?

Yes

46%

964 votes

15%

307 votes

Not Applicable

39%

829 votes

3. Dr. Katja Rowell, a responsive feeding specialist, rejected the notion of parents being "food cops." "I've seen so many people who feel like being a good parent means they have to control what and how much their child eats. This food cop role normalizes conflict at mealtimes and leads to whines, bribes, rewards, negotiations and tears. Mealtimes should be about connection first." If you have kids, were you ever the food cop?

Yes

16%

326 votes

No my spouse was

113 votes

No food cops in our household

40%

836 votes

Other (please specify)

20 votes

Not Applicable

38%

805 votes

4. Do you think nightly family dinner is important?

Yes, it is important to have a meal together, talk about your day, spend time together etc

66%

1,385 votes

No, you can spend time together without it revolving around a meal

20%

427 votes

Undecided

13%

275 votes

Other (please specify)

13 votes