Unplugging from technology and recharging conversation into meals can help families connect and communicate according to West Virginia University Extension Service Families and Health specialists, who are encouraging families to celebrate national Dining-In Day, on Thursday, Dec. 3.

“Put down the technology, prepare a healthy, home-cooked meal and sit down to enjoy it together,” said Elaine Bowen, Ed.D. WVU Extension health promotions specialist. “Research shows that making family mealtime a priority is not only a useful family-bonding tool, but is also vital to children’s physical, emotional and mental wellbeing and development.”

Participants can sign up online at bit.ly/WVUExtensionDineIn. Last year 100,000 families nationwide registered as participants first annual Dining-In Day, which is sponsored by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. This year organizers’ goal is to reach 200,000.

Bowen said the key to a good family dinner is keeping it simple, adding that the home-cooked meals don’t need to be complicated.

“It’s less about the meal itself and more about families connecting with each other and establishing a routine,” said Bowen. “Many studies show a link between children who eat regularly with families having better nutrition, school performance and communication skills.”

Bowen notes that frequent, shared family mealtimes are related to a decreased risk of substance abuse in children and teens.

“Youths who eat with their families are also less likely to try cigarettes, marijuana or alcohol and earn better grades in school,” said Bowen.

Participants are encouraged to join the online conversation and share how they are celebrating the day by tagging #FCSDay on social media, and by connecting with the AAFCS on Facebook at facebook.com/AAFCSheadquarters and Twitter @AAFCS.

The annual event shares the mission of WVU Extension’s Strong Families Eat Together program, which encourages families to partake in regular mealtimes in order to strengthen family bonds and overall health.

The WVU Extension Service is a primary outreach division of West Virginia University. With offices in each of the state’s 55 counties, Extension faculty and staff develop and deliver programs in leadership, rural and community-based economic development, youth development, workforce development and health education.

For more information on health and wellness initiatives in your community, contact your local county office of the WVU Extension Service or visit ext.wvu.edu. For additional information about Family and Consumer Sciences Dining-In Day, visit www.aafcs.org/fcsday/.

-WVU-

bd/11/18/15

CONTACT: Cassie Thomas, WVU Extension Service
304.293.8735, Cassie.Thomas@mail.wvu.edu

Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.