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Family Style Meals. Why family style? Research shows family meals improve children’s behavior, lifestyle habits, and relationships with others both now and in the future. Relaxed. Social. Mealtime is a pleasant occasion to reinforce nutrition lessons
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Family Style Meals Why family style? Research shows family meals improve children’s behavior, lifestyle habits, and relationships with others both now and in the future Relaxed Social • Mealtime is a pleasant occasion to reinforce nutrition lessons • Children are allowed adequate time to enjoy the meal • Adults and children share the meal and conversation • Children are involved in meal service and cleanup • Self-sufficiency is encouraged Educational • Meals are “teaching times’” to promote positive food attitudes, table manners, and motor skills • Adults model healthy eating behaviors • Children discuss food experiences • Children are encouraged to try new foods, but are never force-fed Megan Smith, MS, RD, LD