October: It's not Just for Halloween Anymore--Eat Together Month

Shannon LC Cate — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:44:00 GMT

Before I had kids, I didn't eat very well. I still don't eat as well as I could (who does?) but I eat miles better now than I did as a kid myself. As skeptical as I usually am of sociological studies that draw connections between somewhat unrelated things, I do find myself rather charmed by the idea that simply be eating a family meal together most evenings, I can prevent my kids from doing drugs, getting into fights, committing suicide or having sex too early. Though I'm inclined to think that eating together is just another good habit that stronger healthier families practice, studies have shown that there is something more powerful about eating together than doing other types of things as a family.

Whatever the links to better outcomes for kids, I just like the idea of developing an old-fashioned family bond by eating together, Waltons-style. So we'll be celebrating National Eat Together-Eat Better Month throughout October. How does one celebrate this holiday? One thing I'm going to do is include my three-year old in the preparation of at least one meal per week this month. I've been slacking in that area since moving to a new place with a less kid-friendly kitchen than our old place. It's so much easier to do it myself, but she gets a genuine thrill from "helping" in the kitchen and it's good for her on a number of levels. I think I can commit to one meal a week without too much difficulty.

What will you do to celebrate?

Strollerderby : cooking with children

October: It's not Just for Halloween Anymore--Eat Together Month