In the January issue of Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, researchers surveyed 2,516 adolescents at 31 Minnesota schools in 1999 and again in 2004.  They found that teens that ate five or more family meals in 1999 were less likely to report eating disordered behavior five years later.

Fascinating research.  I think that the authors of this study captured a cultural phenomenon that has been going on for some time...the denigration of the family meal.  With today's crazy schedules filled with soccer games, swim practice and piano lessons, meals are often held in the car or with family members missing.

During my own eating disorder, as many have done before me, I attempted to keep family meals to a minimum.  I had some excuse or reason not to be there and it became difficult to keep track of what (and when) I was eating.  Later, I grew to appreciate my family's openness (especially during holidays) to having friends and loved ones gather about the table to tell stories and laugh.  Those times could go on for what seemed like hours.  What I realized was important was NOT the food, but the bond between us.

To parents of children or adolescents I would certainly recommend to them that they make the effort to:
1.  Turn off the TV
2.  Prepare dinner together
3.  Sit down at the table, or floor or backyard (whatever)
4.  Eat dinner together
5.  Talk to one another about the events in your lives.

You know that you don't know anything about someone if it feels hard just to talk.  Ideally, members of a family won't have this struggle.  If it does happen, start slowly.  Admit that the awkwardness is there.  Just say, "I feel that we need to catch up...or tell me what is going on in your life."  This is the time to just be with your family.  This is NOT  the time to mention the dirty clothes under the bed, or the papers on the floor.  This is the time to show your love to your family. 

There will always be time to remind your kids to bring down their dirty clothes, but never enough times to express your love to them.

Best wishes to all,
Leslie

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