With the holidays right around the corner, enjoying a meal together is a great way to connect with your family. Sit down together for a meal when you can. Turn off the TV and put away screens and devices so you can “unplug,” interact, and focus on each other. Plan meals for the week and include the kids when cooking. Kids learn by doing. Younger ones can mix ingredients, wash produce, or set the table; while older kids can help with ingredients. Everyone can help clean up. When deciding on foods and beverages, choose options that are full of nutrients and limited in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium.

Here are some mealtime tips to help connect your family:

• Remove distractions by turning off the TV and making a phone “parking spot” away from the table.
• Have everyone share what they did during the day. What made you laugh or what you did for fun?
• Try new foods at home. Kids need many opportunities to taste a new food to “get used to it.”
• Have adults and older kids talk about the color, feel, or flavor of foods. It’ll make them sound more appealing to younger kids that may be picky.
• On nice days, opt for a change of scenery. For example, go to a nearby park for a dinner picnic.