Why family dinners seem to have had their chips...

Traditional meal times disappear leaving toddlers to eat alone

IT was once the bedrock of family life. But now a sit- down meal together has slipped off the household menu.

New figures reveal that more than three-quarters of children are now used to eating alone regularly.

A Scottish Government Health Survey shows that more than onein-ten toddlers under three only eat family meals twice a week.

Yesterday campaigners and nutritionists reacted with concern at the figures, which disclose how fragmented family life has become.

Healthy eating patterns in childhood are regarded as the bedrock for a balanced diet in later life, setting an example of the right foods to eat, and educating youngsters in life skills such as cooking.

Chef and f ather- of- two Nick Nairn, founder of the Scottish Food Family, said family meals were crucial: ‘ Sitting down to eat with your children from an early age is so important. It means you all eat the same thing, which is a route to healthy eating, because you’re less likely to rustle up something fast and processed.

‘ It’s i ncredibly i mportant for bonding and communication, too. Eating with children shows them from the year dot that food is to be valued, savoured and enjoyed with social interaction.’

The Scottish Government Health Survey showed 80 per cent of Scottish children eat seven main meals – breakfast or dinner – or less as a household in a week. Snacking did not count. Among children up to three, 3 per cent never had a family meal, and 11 per cent were only eating together twice a week.

Age had a part to play with 14 per cent of teenagers only sitting down to a family meal twice a week. In all, 27 per cent ate a maximum of four meals together a week.

And the wealthiest families, earning £49,400 and upwards, were among the least likely to have eaten together, in contrast to the poorest on less than £14,322, who were together most frequently.

Scientific studies have clearly shown that regular family meal times foster communication skills and a stronger sense of belonging. And a University of Florida study found that eating together reduces the likelihood of obesity, with better chances that family members have a nutritious, balanced diet.

Claire Rick, of the national charity Children’s Food Trust said yesterday: ‘Children learn so much about food and how to eat well from what they see around them.

‘The pressures of busy working lives, shift working, technology and space can all make it difficult to have regular meals together but it’s something which has perhaps never been more important.’

Her view was backed by Scottish Tory young people spokesman, Liz Smith, who said: ‘This SNP Government survey makes for worrying reading. We seem to be bombarded with flashy Scottish Government TV adverts on the importance of healthy lifestyles and eating, which are obviously not working.’

SNP Minister for Public Health Maureen Watt said the Government had recently launched its Eat Better Feel Better campaign and added: ‘Cooking meals from scratch is one of the most economical ways to get a healthy diet, and eating meals together is an enjoyable way to have home-cooked food.’