The Importance of Family Meals

One of the greatest problems plaguing America, as well as other cultures, is child obesity. Many researchers have collected data on this subject in various ways and have proposed solutions, yet very little has been said in how cultural or societal perspectives may actually be the cause. This is unfortunate because temporary fixes to a problem will only stall the inevitable downfall, yet when the root is exposed it is only then that a true resolve of the problem can be possible. Temporary fixes to this problem may include suggestions to parents to enroll their children in extracurricular sport activities or managing a different diet; however, these are only momentary as the root problem may be a societal one. Many times children are already involved in extracurricular activities, even to the point of exhaustion. What this is doing is creating yet another to-do for parents to take on the responsibility of an epidemic that is not going to be solved on an individualistic level, but a societal one. One might say that parents are being set up to fail!

The United States has become a society in which time is a desired commodity, but due to increased workloads and higher expectations to perform, many parents are working overtime, trying to get their children from one activity to the next with little time to recuperate. Stress and anxiety levels are skyrocketing, not only for parents, but in children as well, which is well-documented to be a contributing factor to weight gain. The problem of childhood obesity will not be fixed on an individualistic level, which is what defines the American culture, but will only be solved once it is looked at from a societal perspective.

Along with the high levels of sugar consumption, fast-food, and decline in physical activity, another perspective that is being researched is how meals are an important part of family rituals and traditions, which serves multiple purposes and can even provide healing and a sense of belonging (Possick, 2008). Other researchers such as Campbell, Crawford, and Ball, (2006), Jacobs and Fiese, (2007), Moens, Braet and Soetens, (2007), and Taveras et al., (2005), have found that family meals may guard against obesity in general (as cited by Berge, Wickel, and Doherty, 2012). Many of the studies focus on how family meals can positively affect adolescents in regards to diet, substance use, eating disorders, social behaviors and skills, and academic achievement (Musick & Meier, 2012; Lora, Sisson, DeGrace, & Morris, 2014).

One study in particular did not focus on adolescents specifically, but instead focused on the cultural and ethnic perspective of the family unit. Chaya Possick’s (2008) study used a Jewish/Israeli perspective to illustrate the benefits and meaning behind family traditions and rituals of the family meal. Possick’s (2008) study is incredibly convincing as to why family meals are important. A family meal is considered a ritual and the functions of this ritual can provide cohesiveness, purpose, communication, and other family interactions which are needed to not only build a strong family unit, but to provide an individual a time of healing, order, a sense of belonging, and a role to play within the family. For example, the family meal in and of itself is an event in which one must prepare the food, serve it, eat it, and clean up afterwards (Possick, 2008). Family members are serving each other through the preparation, serving of the meal, cleaning, and paying attention to one another; they are showing respect by being on time to the meal, and placing the event as a daily priority; the meal itself provides an opportunity for everyone to discuss their day, get advice, and to have fun (Possick, 2008). This study shows that family meals provide much more than nutrition.

Another aspect of the study that shouldn’t be ignored is how the family meal can also provide symbolism and tradition. For example, it provides ways to celebrate milestones together such as birthday parties, and life cycle rituals such as baby showers and funerals.

This is a community or social act in which family and friends alike are normally invited. In regards to symbolism, different cultures may bring specific foods that represent the event itself. For example, Possick (2008) details how at Jewish funerals many times people will bring foods that are circular in nature as they represent the circle of life (such as beans or eggs). It is also pointed out that at a funeral, people become very aware of death and that the deceased will never join again for a gathering, but that they return for the wake in which they also partake in the act of eating, a “life sustaining activity”, in which they resume their roles in their social community and family (Possick, 2008, p. 265).

Even though the United States is an individualistic society, it is important to understand the importance of rituals, traditions, and the family unit as these acts of eating together not only provide time together, but they also provide memories, healing and bonding times, open communication, consistency, and security. Possick’s study (2008) alone is convincing enough to see how the lack of family meals contributes to social problems and can create a multitude of side-effects, such as child obesity. The current culture, or societal norm, does not provide the opportunity to partake in such acts on a daily basis.

It was also stated in Musick and Meier’s study (2012) that families who had both parents, where-in the mother was not working, and had a higher income, had more family meals. These families had more resources and time in order to provide this to their families. So, after thinking through what has been presented, some might even agree that the problem is deeper than simply re-instituting family meals. If so, how might one go about solving the problem?

Unfortunately, there is no easy solution to such societal problems. Ironically, sometimes it takes each individual to make a conscious decision to change, however it takes many individuals for the effect to be felt. For example, if the problem is working too much overtime and individuals cannot make it home to have a meal with their family, there would need to be a majority decision to refuse working overtime on a regular basis to make it a societal norm. As well, individual approaches to child obesity may work for some by changing diets, involving the child in activities, and trying to provide more fresh foods at home, yet, it does depend on the circumstances of the family unit. The Family Systems approach, originated by Murray Bowen in the 1950’s, is helpful because it can focus on the family unit as a whole and provide suggestions on how a particular family can make changes to provide a healthier environment for the entire family. The main concept is to treat the family as though they were treating an individual.

Action plans can be helpful even it is a preliminary approach to solving the problem. Child obesity is a social problem, but when one sees it as a symptom instead of its own epidemic, it may not seem so overwhelming. Busy schedules, high stress levels, and little time to recuperate and spend time with family and friends seem to be the bigger problem. Many complain that family meals have fallen to the wayside due to the busy schedules and demands that are put on them. To initially confront the problem two main actions are necessary. One entails families to be open to having discussions of how to incorporate family meals as well as quality time together, and to also consider the possibility of seeking help through a family therapist to aid them in making life changes as a whole. As discussed, family therapy treats the entire family as an individual and changes such as these will need the support and commitment of all members. The other falls more on the shoulders of researchers. It is important to dig deeper into why child obesity, along with other societal symptoms which may even include ADD and ADHD, are connected to the disintegration of family units due to current lifestyles and societal expectations.

Child obesity is seen as a national epidemic, which it is; however obesity in general is considered to be as well. It seems that it is not just limited to the younger generation making it more of a global societal issue. Research on the importance of family meals is becoming increasing popular, but it still needs more attention. To take it a step further, the importance of family rituals, traditions, and roles need to be taken more seriously. No matter how individualistic society becomes, humans are still social creatures. Due to the fact that the breakdown in family units is slower and many cannot see the effects until it is almost too late can leave individualistic societies very vulnerable. Social aspects play a role in the over well-being of individuals and their personal development. Family meals, for example, provide venues for important family bonding, servitude, communication, and a sense of belonging.

Overall, the issue is not simply about child obesity, but the loss of the family unit. The loss of family time together is the greater issue at hand, which if resolved, might prove to clear up other societal symptoms. As the United States progresses down a road of technological advances, longer work days, and busier schedules, it might behoove all stakeholders to start making decisions that will benefit society as a whole, such as sitting down to a good meal together.

References

Berge, J. M., Wickel, K., & Doherty, W. J. (2012). The individual and combined influence of the “quality” and “quantity” of family meals on adult body mass index. Families, Systems, & Health, 30(4), 344-351. doi:10.1037/a0030660

Chabot, D. R. (2011). Family systems theories of psychotherapy. In J. C. Norcross, G. R. VandenBos & D. K. Freedheim (Eds.), (pp. 173-202). Washington, DC, US: American

Psychological Association. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.library.capella.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com.library.capella.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=psyh&AN=2010-09280-006&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Foundation for Critical Thinking. (2009). Critical thinking model. Retrieved from http://www.criticalthinking.org/index.cfm

Lora, K. R., Sisson, S. B., DeGrace, B. W., & Morris, A. S. (2014). Frequency of family meals and 6–11-year-old children’s social behaviors. Journal of Family Psychology, 28(4), 577-582. doi:10.1037/fam0000014

Musick, K., & Meier, A. (2012). Assessing causality and persistence in associations between family dinners and adolescent well-being. Journal of Marriage & Family, 74(3), 476-493. doi:10.1111/j.1741-3737.2012.00973.x

Nordquest, M. A., & Nordquest, M. (2007). Review of ‘family mealtime as a context of development and socialization’. Families, Systems, & Health, 25(2), 219-221. doi:10.1037/1091-7527.25.2.219

Possick, C. (2008). The family meal: An exploration of normative and therapeutic ritual from an ethnic perspective. Journal of Family Psychotherapy, 19(3), 259-276. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.library.capella.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com.library.capella.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=35002890&site=ehost-live&scope=site