Initiatives
What is Eat*Talk*Connect?
September has been designated as Eat.Talk.Connect month. The Minnetonka and Hopkins school districts will again join together to encourage families to develop stronger connections by continuing (or creating!) the habit of sharing meals and engaging in meaningful conversation. This year’s goal is to increase the number of shared meals to at least five to seven per week, and to focus on conversation and connecting. Studies support that connections to family and community are as important to our mental and spiritual health as food is to our physical health.
What are the benefits of sharing meals?
Research shows that children who share at least three meals every week with their families – without the distraction of TV and other technology – benefit in the following ways:
- They are 40-50% less likely to smoke, use drugs or alcohol, or engage in sexual activity.
- They have greater academic success. 40-50% of children eating regularly with their families have an A or B average.
- They eat more healthfully and experience fewer food-related issues such as obesity, anorexia or bulimia.
- They experience less stress and are significantly less likely to be depressed.
- They incorporate their family’s values into their lives.
What qualifies as “sharing meals”?
“Sharing meals” is defined as when all or most family members who live in the same household sit down together to eat breakfast, lunch, dinner, or any meal. For example, eating at a food court in the mall qualifies. In fact, anywhere counts, as long as most family members are gathered together and engaged in conversation. Mealtime conversations should be fun and engaging … disciplinary issues should be addressed at another time.
National Family Day – Monday, September 22
Share your time and connect with your kids during a family meal today! This national celebration encourages families to regularly share meals as an effective way to stay connected. Can’t gather at the supper table? Consider sharing dessert around the coffee table, or having breakfast at the counter! Be creative in how you get together and connect with your family. Contact Us.
Resource List
PARENTING BOOKS:
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Putting Family First: Successful Strategies for Reclaiming Family Life.
William Doherty, PhD and Barbara Carlson
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Take Back Your Kids: Confident Parenting in Turbulent Times
William Doherty, PhD
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The Intentional Family: Simple Rituals to Strengthen Family Ties
William Doherty, PhD
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The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families: Building a Beautiful Family Culture in a Turbulent World
Stephen Covey
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Slowing Down to the Speed of Life: How to Create a More Peaceful, Simpler Life from the Inside Out
Richard Carlson
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How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk
Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
COOK BOOKS:
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There’s a Chef in My Soup! Recipes for the Kid in Everyone
There’s a Chef in My Family! Recipes to Get Everybody CookingEmerald Lagasse
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Rachael Ray’s 30 Minute Meals
Rachael Ray
CONVERSATION STARTERS:
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Conversations on the Go
Mary Alice Ackerman
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Keep Talking Conversation Starters
Maureen Treacy Lahr and Julie Pfitzinger
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Table Talk: Creating Meaningful Conversations with Family and Friends
Karol Ladd
**The items listed above are all available on Amazon.com
WEBSITES:
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www.tabletopics.com
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www.shouldertoshoulderminnesota.org
Shoulder to Shoulder MN
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www.puttingfamiliesfirst.org
Putting Families First Initiative in Wayzata
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www.childtrendsdatabank.org/indicators/96FamilyMeals.cfm
Child Trends Data Bank: Family Meals
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www.verybestbaby.com/MyFamilyHome/FamilyMeals.aspx
www.verybestbaby.com/MyFamilyHome/FamilyMeals.aspx Very Best Baby: Family Meals
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www.mealsmatter.org/EatingForHealth/Topics/article.aspx?articleId=4 Meals Matter
4 Meals Matter
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www.mediafamily.org/switch/switch_family_meals_12_05_05.pdf
Family Meals: How Important Are They? Mary Story Ph.D., R.D. Professor, Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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