Instilling a strong dinnertime routine and cutting out television and other media during dinner could help children maintain a healthy weight, suggests research in the Journal of Family Psychology. Researchers surveyed 160 parent-child pairs about their dinnertime routines and media use and then measured the participants’ heights and weights. Children who had regular, predictable dinnertime routines had lower body mass indices (BMIs). Less media use during dinner (including television, smartphones, books and newspapers) was also associated with lower BMIs for children. There was no association between these factors and parents’ BMIs, however. (Monitor on Psychology)

Creating strong dinnertime routines at home could help children maintain a healthy weight.

Susie Bean Gives