First, eating together allows parents to model good eating habits for their children.

Liz Weiss, MS, RDN told the publication, “The key is to keep things positive.

Children who ate as a family exhibited better weight management later in life, too (viaReal Simple).

Mom and dad cooking a meal with their daughter and son

To reap these benefits, families need to gather at least three times each week to break bread.

Part of the benefits families experience simply comes from spending time together eating.

Family smiling while enjoying a meal at home