How Family Dinners Strengthen Relationships

Everyone has basic human needs, including the need to feel loved, connected and emotionally supported. As we gather together during the holidays, satisfying your family’s emotional needs can be as easy as taking part in a common occasion of the season: sharing a family meal.

Meals together give families quality face time and opportunities to communicate with each other – outside of a phone screen. And regardless of how casual or serious the discussion topics are, sharing family meals strengthens relationships in these important ways:

1. Time together strengthens sense of love.

Love comes in many forms, words and actions. With the constant hustle and bustle of busy family schedules, finding time together can be a challenge; however taking time out to share a meal, whether it’s at home or on the go, is a great way to strengthen and show love for one another.

2. Family dinners build a sense of connection.

Spending time together at the dinner table during the holidays and beyond creates stronger family bonds. Focusing your attention on each other reinforces family connections and grows interpersonal relationships.

3. Attentive listening gives sense of emotional support.

Listening to each other is an important way to build trust and open dialogue with your family. Conversation topics can range from the day’s happenings to more serious subjects like underage drinking prevention. Attentively listening to each other’s thoughts and opinions without judgment provides emotional support.

For more tips on how to strengthen family relationships, visit the Coaching page.