Dinnertime dilemmas
New research from our pals at Bargain Box uncovers how rising work pressures are reshaping family dinnertimes. Read on for their mealtime tips and tricks...
As costs rise and work demands soar, gathering around the family dinner table is becoming a rare occurrence in Kiwi households. With more hours spent working and less time for each other, families are feeling the squeeze – and it’s impacting more than just dinnertime.
Bargain Box by My Food Bag’s Annual Dinner Time Check-In reveals that only 36% of Kiwi families are sitting down to eat dinner together every night. The culprit? More than a third of families point to demanding work hours as one of the main barriers to enjoying dinnertime together.
My Food Bag’s nutrition manager, registered dietitian and mum of two young children, Lily Henderson, says that work is getting in the way of family time, especially in the evenings.
“Nearly half of working Kiwi parents have told us their work hours have increased over the last 12 months. This has resulted in many having to play catch-up by taking work home after hours, staying late at the office, or working weekends. With the rise of remote work, the blurred line between work and home life is likely contributing to these extended hours, further impacting family time and overall work-life balance.”
These work demands are forcing families to adjust their routines, leading to a surge in screen time at the dinner table, she says.
“Two-thirds of families say they have a screen on during dinnertime, a significant increase from what families reported in 2023. Studies have shown that screen usage during meals can disrupt the body’s natural cues regulating food intake, often leading to increased consumption,” Lily says.
“While you know what’s best for your family, whether it’s enjoying a weekly tradition of eating together in front of the TV or tuning in during special events, it’s a good idea to turn off screens at other times. This helps kids fully experience their meals and develop healthier eating habits.”
Lily’s tips for dinnertime success:
- Simplify meal prep: choose quick and nutritious meals that fit your busy life
- Make family meals a priority: eating together strengthens family bonds and helps kids develop a taste for new foods while promoting healthier habits
- Introduce variety: turn mealtimes into a chance to try new textures, flavours, and vegetables
- Set a good example: your choices at the table can inspire your kids to follow suit
- Be flexible with mealtimes: family meals don’t have to be at dinner. Find times that work best for your family, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or any other meal, to create positive mealtime experiences
- Make it fun: look at ways to make prepping food and mealtimes fun and engaging
To help families make the most of this valuable time, Bargain Box has introduced its Bonding Box cards – a free resource designed to spark meaningful conversations and create lasting memories around the dinner table. To download Bargain Box’s free Bonding Box cards, visit bargainbox.co.nz
