Nursery World - A parent's guide to shared mealtimes

Hectic lifestyles have taken their toll on family mealtimes. Leisurely eating as a family around a table 'sed to be the norm, but that's changed in the past 20 years, according to research. In fact, a quarter of British households don't even own a dining table. An average meal is now eaten in 14 minutes and 27 seconds - less than half the time spent eating two decades ago. The survey by a food trade body found that eight in ten people snack in front of the television, while one in five eat while 'sing a computer. Fewer than two in ten people regularly give meals their full attention.

An average meal is now eaten in 14 minutes and 27 seconds - less than half the time spent eating two decades ago. The survey by a food trade body found that eight in ten people snack in front of the television, while one in five eat while 'sing a computer. Fewer than two in ten people regularly give meals their full attention.

Other studies have found a link between regular family meals and a range of social and psychological benefits. Sharing mealtimes together gives family members the chance to bond, plan and talk to each other.

Nutrition writer Mary Whiting says mealtimes are an excellent opportunity for relaxed, unstructured conversation. All manner of things can be chatted about, and little things sorted out over a pleasant meal, with adults as well as children, she says.

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