Resource Lists 

Family Mealtimes: Benefits for Child Well-Being

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Mother holding a child at the door

This list contains a variety of resources associated with how family mealtimes enhance a child’s well-being.

IEL Resources

Web Resources

  • The Benefits & Tricks to Having a Family Dinner also in SpanishSource: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

    This article presents 5 ways that family meals keep kids healthy.

  • The Family Dinner Project Source: Harvard Project Zero

    This project aims to bring families together to share their experiences and insights to help each other realize the benefits of family dinners. Together, they will figure out the resources needed to improve the frequency and quality of their mealtime interaction.

  • Family Routines Source: RaisingChildren.net.au

    This points out that routines are how families organize themselves to get things done, spend time together, and have fun. It discusses different kinds of routines and why they are good for both children and parents.

  • The Importance of Family Mealtime (PDF) Source: University of Nebraska Lincoln

    It has been shown that families who eat together are healthier and happier. This article encourages families to cook together, eat together, talk together, and make mealtime a family time.

  • Mealtime Routines and Tips also in SpanishSource: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

    This resource is geared to families of infants and toddlers where having a routine can help children know what to expect when it is time for meals or snacks.  This article lists some routines and tips for mealtimes.

  • Why Are Family Routines So Important to Children? also in SpanishSource: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

    This resource discusses ways to establish effective family routines.

About this resource

Setting(s) for which the article is intended:
  • Family Child Care
  • Home

Intended audience(s):
  • Parents / Family

Age Levels (the age of the children to whom the article applies):
  • Infants and Toddlers (Birth To Age 3)
  • Preschoolers (Age 3 Through Age 5)

Related IEL Birth to Three Guidelines:
Related Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards:
Reviewed: 2021