London - It’s a cry that rings out in millions of homes every evening.
In the age of computer games and social media, “supper’s ready” rarely means families actually sit down and eat together.
But research suggests parents striving to bring up well-behaved children should insist that they sit round the table with the family.
Psychologists who studied children aged between six and 11 found they concentrated more at school and got into less trouble if they had regular family meals.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University in the US analysed the eating habits of more than 24 000 children who took part in a health study in 2007, which also tracked their academic attainment, behaviour and social skills.
The results, published in the Journal of Family Psychology, found regular family meals increased the odds of a child being fully engaged at school by around 10 percent. At the same time, frequent family meals reduced the risk of bad behaviour by about eight percent.
In a report on their findings the researchers said eating together provides stability and contact for vulnerable youngsters.
“It is also possible that the organisational features of meals, as part of the family routine, may provide structure, order and predictability to the family and have an effect on health-related outcomes.
“They provide a supportive family environment in which parents can connect with their children and monitor their activities.
“Although there is no certainty in the number of weekly mealtimes needed to provide a protective child health outcome, previous research has indicated four or more as optimal.”
Dr Fiona Starr, psychologist at Middlesex University, said family meals give parents a vital opportunity to catch up on what’s going on in their children’s lives.
She said: “It’s also a time when young children acquire language skills and learn how to listen.
“But it’s really important that parents impose a ‘no screens’ rule at the dinner table, so that there are no games, phones or iPads.
“It’s fine to have a TV dinner every now and again with the family but no screens at the table is essential.”
* Research suggests less than a third of British families have a meal together every night.
A 2012 survey found extended working hours, lengthy commutes for parents and children’s after-school commitments meant families rarely ate together.
Other factors include children wanting different types of food, or demanding to watch TV at the same time.
Although numerous studies have shown family meals can have a positive effect on adolescent behaviour, the latest research concentrated on the long-term effects on younger children. - Daily Mail