The Buzz

If you can make more of your meals a family event, experts say you may also be rewarded with some parenting benefits as well.

Jeanie Lerche Davis
WebMD Feature

The long-term benefits of eating together is only recently understood and could be the most powerful drug prevention program as your children become teens.

Susan Newman, PhD
Rutgers University

The Enchanted Table is easy and so much fun. We started one conversation on Tuesday and it has continued throughout the week.

Paula Williams
Mom, Grandma, 2nd Grade Teacher
Danville, California

By using mealtime to play a family game, children learn patience and cooperation. They also gain a sense of belonging. The dinner table is a jumping-off place for many things to happen such as better communication, shared ideas and an expression of values.

Evelyn Peterson
Early Childhood Education Consultant
Syndicated Parenting Columnist

Direct exposure to nature is essential for healthy childhood development and for the physical and emotional health of children and adults.

Richard Louv, Author
Last Child in the Woods, Saving our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder

Meals are not only a time to be with one another, it also helps children learn the art of conversation and how to listen to what others have to say.

Robyn Fox, PhD
Rutgers University