Sharing a meal is a great way for families to communicate and strengthen bonds, it has been claimed.

Alison Morris, editor of MyDaughter.co.uk, said parents who dine alongside their children can also demonstrate good table manners to set a positive example.

"By preparing the food together and clearing up afterwards, families are relating to each other and in a relaxed day-to-day manner, rather than just rushing past each other on the front doorstep," she commented.

Although Ms Morris acknowledged that it can be difficult to fit family meals in, she claimed the trick is to be flexible and coordinated.

For example, it may be easier to have a Sunday brunch together than a Sunday lunch, she added.

Research published earlier this month by Spam revealed that traditional family dinners are fast becoming a thing of the past.

The study found that more than a quarter of people never eat dinner with their children.

Written by Donal Walsh

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