Keeping Dinner Sacred

When I was young, my parents always made it a point to have meals with all of us.

We’d often wait until my dad came home from work. Even though we didn’t talk much (talking at the table was a no no), we found comfort in their presence—even if it was a race to chump down our food quickly.

We’d regularly go out to eat, and those outings were always memorable. One of my favorite spots was the Longhouse food centre, located outside the old Jalan Besar Stadium. I still remember the thick aroma of the big prawn noodles and the white sparkling chicken rice.

It became such a routine part of life that I took it for granted.

Fast forward to when I had children, and I didn’t really see the point of eating together.

After cooking dinner, I’d usually be too exhausted and just wanted to eat alone. Honestly, I’m someone who thrives on alone time.

My wife, on the other hand, kept insisting that dinner should be a family affair. But the thought of cleaning up, setting the table, and—most importantly—giving up my precious solitude?

No, thank you.

So, my kids ended up eating dinner in front of the TV, zoning out with their screens. It worked… until it didn’t. My youngest became addicted to devices and always whine if she doesn’t get her shows when she is stationary.

One day, I decided enough was enough. I wanted to do something good for myself and my family. Eating dinner together seemed like a small but meaningful place to start.

At first, it wasn’t easy to pry the kids away from their beloved TV shows. Now, they actually look forward to mealtime.

My eldest eagerly sets the table, arranging the cutlery like she’s hosting a royal banquet.

Meanwhile, my youngest inspects the food like a mini food critic. If she likes it, she stealthily scoops extra onto her plate. If not, she’ll dramatically pretend to feel unwell.

Kids, right?

It had only been a while since we started our daily meals together and I already observed several benefits that came from it.

Strengthening Family Bonds

Sharing meals creates a dedicated time for family members to connect, share stories, and just enjoy each other’s company.

It fosters a sense of belonging, reminding everyone that they’re part of a supportive team.

For us, conversations started small. My wife would talk about work challenges, I’d share funny observations about the kids, and slowly, the kids began to open up about their day. It wasn’t an interrogation—just casual, heartfelt chatter.

Even though I’m naturally quiet, just being there and listening made a difference.

The 30 minutes a parent spends at the table, shutting the laptop and focusing on their child, sends a powerful message: “You matter, and my stuff can wait.”

The trick, though, is avoiding the urge to lecture.

It’s so easy to turn a conversation into a TED Talk on “How to Be Better at Everything.”

Instead, I’ve learned to listen without judgment and share my own struggles and highlights.

This approach has created a space where my kids feel comfortable talking to me—even without me prying.

I’m hoping these small conversations will pave the way for smoother teenage years. When the angst and eye-rolling inevitably arrives, I’d like to think they’ll still trust us enough to share what’s on their minds.

Encouraging Healthier Eating Habits

Eating together has also improved our diet.

Home-cooked meals are naturally healthier, with less oil, salt, and MSG compared to takeout. Plus, eating as a family helps us slow down and savor our food.

When the kids used to eat alone with their screens, they’d take forever to finish their meals. Germs, anyone? Not to mention, prolonged chewing time isn’t great for dental health either.

We also noticed that eating in front of a screen led to mindless overeating.

Sound familiar? It’s the same reason you suddenly realize you’ve polished off an entire bag of chips while binge-watching Netflix.

Eating at the table helps us stay mindful about portion sizes and make healthier choices.

Studies even show that kids who eat with their families are less likely to develop weight issues or unhealthy eating habits.

Boosting Emotional Well-Being

Mealtimes are more than just about food. They provide a safe, consistent space for everyone to express themselves.

It’s naturally more relaxing and inviting to have a conversation over a meal than to schedule a one-on-one, hour-long session—which could easily feel intimidating if approached with the wrong tone or context.

For kids, this stability can reduce stress and foster resilience. Regular family meals have been linked to higher self-esteem and better social skills.

Who knew that stir fried mee hoon could be so emotionally nourishing?

Enhancing Communication Skills

Family dinners are also great for building communication skills.

Whether it’s chatting about the day or debating the merits of pineapple on pizza, these conversations teach kids how to listen, articulate their thoughts, and even negotiate (especially when dessert is involved).

Studies suggest that children who eat with their families tend to perform better academically. That’s because mealtime discussions expose them to new vocabulary and ideas, giving their brains a little workout.

I observed that both of our kids were learning to express themselves better and they often ask us unfamiliar words that we used and use them in their own context.

It did make my youngest more cheeky and more of a verbal monster though. I guess there are always two ends of a stick.

Tips for Making Family Meals Work

Set a Routine: Pick a consistent time for meals, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Usually dinner is the easiest to plan.

Minimize Distractions: Declare the table a no-screen zone. Look into my eyes~ Everything I Do song playing

Keep It Simple: Don’t stress about making elaborate meals. Just make 2 or 3 dishes. I often just make a soup, stir fry some vegetables and air fry some sort of protein. Tada~ Connection matters more than presentation.

Involve Everyone: Get the kids to help with meal prep or setting the table—it makes them feel included. Ask them what they want to eat for their meals. Get them involved in preparing them too (you can clean up the mess later ^o^)

In the end, family meals aren’t just about feeding our bodies—they’re about nourishing our relationships and creating memories.

So, grab a plate, pull up a chair, and enjoy the magic of simply being together.