Study finds family dinners strengthened connections during COVID-19 pandemic

A recent study by the American Psychological Association highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic transformed family mealtime routines and increased the quality of family time during those dinners. Researchers collected data from 517 diverse parents across the U.S. to explore family dining patterns during the pandemic. Findings show that more families ate together at home, with many parents reporting improved family bonds, more engaging conversations, and shared laughter during meals. The shift to regular, shared dinners helped boost family well-being by creating more opportunities for closeness and communication. The study also found that families began using video calls to involve extended family members at dinnertime, helping maintain connections beyond the immediate household. This digital mealtime inclusion allowed many families to continue their traditions despite physical distance. Interestingly, most parents intend to continue these enhanced family meals even after the pandemic, valuing the positive effects on relationships and communication. These findings suggest that simple changes, like prioritising family meals, can foster lasting family bonds and support emotional health. Read more here.