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Family Meals Month

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Contributed by: Liz Pope on 8/23/2008

Promote a healthy family, physically and emotionally

Ending childhood obesity - which is often accompanied by a range of medical and emotional health issues - and raising emotionally stable children might be as simple as sitting down as a family to a healthy, home-cooked meal on a regular basis. August is Family Meals month, and Westside Behavioral Care ( www.westsidebehavioral.com), a full-service outpatient mental health practice serving the Denver metropolitan area, is championing Family Meals Month by urging families to put aside scheduling conflicts and focus on health.

Clinical evidence has demonstrated that eating with family is not only a healthy thing to do, but also creates stronger bonds between family members, which leads to more emotionally secure and well-adjusted children with a reduced propensity to participate in risky behaviors.

By designating several family dinners each week, parents can:

• Promote an avenue of open communication between family members, and an environment in which children feel comfortable discussing issues that might be affecting them.

• Model healthy eating habits, encouraging children through example to make balanced, healthful choices at the table.

• Reconnect as a family, and demonstrate to children that they are a priority.

• Strengthen children's communication and listening skills by participating in family conversations at the dinner table.

• Help encourage good habits in regards to scheduling and time management by maintaining a set meal time.

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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Liz Pope

, CO

Liz Pope has posted 47 stories and 1 comment since joining on 4/11/2007. Liz Pope 's average story rating is 5.

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