Besides bonding, family mealtime may have another big benefit: improving kids' asthma. One study shows that in families who talked at mealtime, kids ususally had less severe asthma symptoms. Kids were also more likely to take their asthma medicine.
So what's the connection?
-Meals give kids a chance to discuss their lives. That can mean sports, school, friends--or asthma.
-Meals give parent a chance to pay attention to kids. If kids cough or wheeze at the tablet, parents will notice.
Follow these tips for a fun a dproductive mealtime:
Turn off the TV. It's healthier to turn off electronics at dinner. Mute your cellphone or set it aside completely.
Get the conversation rolling. Have one family memeber pick a fun question for everyone to answer.
Discuss your day. Tell your family about something that made you smile or wonder.
Be positive and polite. Avoid arguments and criticism, and let everyone have a chance to speak.
Source: Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, December 2012
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