Do you eat at the table with your family, or just eat your food anywhere you land?
By Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (28899)
March 5, 2023 8:22pm CST
I have noticed a lot of families do not eat at their table, be it kitchen, a counter area, or a dining room. I was brought up old school, I guess-we eat at the table. Even when it's only me, I eat at the table.
So much food bits from children can end up everywhere, more to clean up. But the main reason to eat together is to spend time together! I do know my own adult children eat at the table with their children. Sometimes, when I am out and about or eating out, I do see kids eating...and they often do not seem to have any table manners? I am not saying just because you eat from the couch or a chair, you don't have manners. But some of these kids are talking with their mouth full of food, they don't have any clue about using a napkin, they just...shovel it in?
I am not trying to be overly critical of anyone or their children. I am just rather surprised to discover less than 30% of American families eat together. I think they are missing out on some quality time with their children--I know that no phones or electronics are allowed to be at the table at my kids' homes. They tell them to leave them on the counter while they eat at the table.
Curious to know if I am the only one to actually use my table for eating?
https://thehopefilledfamily.com/is-it-normal-for-families-to-not-eat-dinner-together/#:~:text=The%20simple%20answer%2C%20statistically%2C%20is,to%20not%20eat%20dinner%20together.
27 people like this
31 responses
@MarieCoyle (28899)
•
6 Mar 23
My grandmothers both insisted on us all eating together at the table. I guess I grew up thinking everyone did that. But today's families seem to have changed some in that regard, at least some of them have. It never mattered what we ate, just that we spent time together catching up on our day.
4 people like this
@LadyDuck (458867)
• Switzerland
6 Mar 23
@MarieCoyle - I agree that this is sad and it is also one of the causes of obesity. People eat in front of TV and they often eat too much because are distracted.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (28899)
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6 Mar 23
I think the time together is important. But here in the US, there are just a lot of families that throw the food on a paper plate (yes, they have dishes) and eat in front of the TV, or while they play games or whatever. I think that is kind of sad.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (28899)
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6 Mar 23
@LadyDuck
I am constantly amazed by the amount of pure garbage type of food some people eat. Huge bags of potato chips, cheese curls, pork rinds?, bags of candy bars, and on an on...and then they wash it all down with sodas.
The world did function before all of that was so prevalent. And, it's SO expensive to buy it! I would rather buy something good to cook, honestly.
2 people like this
@rakski (112925)
• Philippines
6 Mar 23
We always eat at the table everytime. We have rules "no eating inside the room" 
I tell the kids the bugs and insects will go there if there are food remnants which is true. I also am implementing no gadget while at the table. Struggling with that rule though.
I tell the kids the bugs and insects will go there if there are food remnants which is true. I also am implementing no gadget while at the table. Struggling with that rule though.2 people like this
@rakski (112925)
• Philippines
6 Mar 23
@MarieCoyle true. It is a struggle with mobile phone
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (28899)
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6 Mar 23
I think it's a struggle when you have kids, especially young ones. A person wants to keep the mess in one room if at all possible
When my kids were all at home, sometimes it got too hectic--the phone always rang at dinnertime, too. In the days where everyone had a landline, it seemed the telemarketers really hit us hard at dinnertime. Often I would switch the phone to the answering machine so we could have a meal in peace!
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (28899)
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6 Mar 23
@rakski
Sometimes, the phone just has to wait, at least it does for me. But I do know some people struggle and have kids with phones as well.
2 people like this
@Icydoll (36717)
• India
6 Mar 23
@MarieCoyle yeah it is but we don't miss having dinner together. We wait and eat .
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (28899)
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6 Mar 23
I think lunchtime is different for everyone, especially people who work during that time.
2 people like this
@bbghitte (3294)
• Philippines
6 Mar 23
@MarieCoyle true, it will surely give her boost to cook more delicious dishes for the whole family.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (28899)
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6 Mar 23
@bbghitte
And it does give a cook a good boost to know her food is eaten and appreciated!
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (28899)
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6 Mar 23
I think it would be rather depressing to just get plates and scatter, with no interaction. And in looking at the situation from the cook's viewpoint, I think after that person spent time and energy fixing a meal, eating it together would be appreciated by her or him.
2 people like this
@Adie04 (17360)
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6 Mar 23
@MarieCoyle Yeah. Feels weird to eat alone if at home though, though I know some people do that too.
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (28899)
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6 Mar 23
@Adie04
Yes, I understand. My son lives very close by and he isn't very well, he eats here at least every evening, sometimes more often.
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (28899)
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6 Mar 23
It's different when you are at work or school, I know. That's good that you eat with your family when you are at home. 
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (28899)
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6 Mar 23
That's nice that you do that.
My grandmothers both taught us this. And we waited until everyone was there to start the dinner.
2 people like this
@marguicha (215711)
• Chile
6 Mar 23
We were taught to eat at the table in the dining room and I don´t even have a TV in the dining room or in the living room at home. I feel it is the place to spend the time together with our loved ones.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (28899)
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6 Mar 23
Time together doesn't have to be spent watching TV or phone screens, after all. Funny how we managed without all of those things not being on our dinner table, growing up.
1 person likes this
@cttolledo (5460)
• Legaspi, Philippines
6 Mar 23
We always eat together, that was one of the rules my father growing up and we do that still in this new era. It's fun to eat together, and a lot of discoveries, sharing, and laughter.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (28899)
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6 Mar 23
After reading the replies I am receiving, I am glad to know that there are more people eating meals at the table. I agree, it's a time of day I've always looked forward to.
2 people like this
@FourWalls (62381)
• United States
6 Mar 23
I’m single so I eat wherever I want. With my elbows on the table, too, if I want! 
I do tend to eat at the kitchen table.
I do tend to eat at the kitchen table.2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (28899)
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6 Mar 23
I eat at the table even when I am eating alone. It is just much less work and mess, even though I am neat, I think!
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (28899)
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6 Mar 23
I always thought I should eat with them, it's just what we do. Plus, I wanted to see them!
2 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (95562)
• Marion, Ohio
6 Mar 23
We eat breakfast and dinner at the table. As we just eat when we get hungry for lunch it's wherever
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (28899)
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6 Mar 23
Lunch is often hard at times, with different people having different schedules and such. We usually just manage it at dinner time.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (156852)
• United States
6 Mar 23
My husband and I rarely eat in the same room. We usually eat in our own rooms with a TV tray. We sleep in separate rooms in our recliners too. Have a good week.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (156852)
• United States
6 Mar 23
@MarieCoyle I don't like it; but it is what it is.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (28899)
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6 Mar 23
Well, if it works for you at the present time, that is what you should do.
You have a good week as well, Linda.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (28899)
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6 Mar 23
@LindaOHio
We all have to do what works for us, at different times in our lives. I know it must be difficult. 
1 person likes this
@pitsipeahie (4311)
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7 Mar 23
I grew up in a family that eats together at the table. Rarely if not at all do we eat at other rooms in the house. And yes, there's the so called table manners and etiquette while eating and it is something parents should teach their kids at an early age so they grew up with appreciation and respect for those values.
1 person likes this
@pitsipeahie (4311)
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7 Mar 23
@MarieCoyle So true. Sometimes I couldn't believe what I see with young children today and even teens alike. Not just in table manners but their values in general. Makes me wonder the kind of society we live right now and what kind of manners/values we instill to our children.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (28899)
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8 Mar 23
@pitsipeahie
Children copy their elders, it's what they do. It's up to us to try to set a decent example for them.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (28899)
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7 Mar 23
It's amazing to me how many people do not teach their children any table manners. A lot of kids don't even know how to use a knife and fork properly.
I was waiting for my son to finish an appointment the other day. I had a gift card for Starbuck's so I told him to just walk over ( it was right there) when he was done. I got my coffee and sat with my book. Young boy came in with an adult, maybe his mom? and he got a drink and muffins with some butter for them. He opened the butter, smeared it around on the muffins, LICKED the knife! and then he licked out the little plastic thingy the butter came in. Umm...just NO.
1 person likes this
@sallypup (58055)
• Centralia, Washington
6 Mar 23
Hubby and I used to sit at the dining room table more. Since he's been ill we're falling into bad habits. I also used to have tea times- we'd sit at the table, teapot filled with good tea, treats on good china and just pay attention to each other.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (28899)
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6 Mar 23
We actually enjoy the catching up with each other's days activities when we are gathered at the table. I can see why you cannot do that often, with your husband ill. His comfort and needs have to come first, and I totally understand that.
Kind of a tea party, sit and enjoy each other's company time, that sounds so very nice.
1 person likes this
@sallypup (58055)
• Centralia, Washington
6 Mar 23
@MarieCoyle We've had many tea parties through the years. Some we've enjoyed out in the garden. I have a two tier tidbit tray and other good porcelain plates plus teapots. Slowing down and savoring bites of savory and sweet treats and listening to each other is nice.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (28899)
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6 Mar 23
@sallypup
That sounds like something many people would benefit from. Time together is worth everything.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247113)
• United States
6 Mar 23
@MarieCoyle I'm sure you do. I don't even eat in the street while walking as so many others do. If I can't sit at a table like a lady, I'd rather not eat at all.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (28899)
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7 Mar 23
@DianneN
I have never understood the popularity of walking and eating. I just don't get it. I want to sit and enjoy my food.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (28899)
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6 Mar 23
In my opinion, that's the way to do it. I always enjoy eating with all of my family when they come to visit, as well.
1 person likes this
@MommyOfEli2013 (82092)
• Rupert, Idaho
7 Mar 23
We eat together, just not usually at the table lol. We like to watch shows while we eat. When I was growing up we had dinner at the table at my grandparents. Now, even there we eat in the living room instead of the table.
1 person likes this
@MommyOfEli2013 (82092)
• Rupert, Idaho
7 Mar 23
@MarieCoyle I get that too, for sure. I just feel we can still be together on the couch, or whatever....lol.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (28899)
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7 Mar 23
I understand, it's just not something we have ever done. I just like the idea and the interaction of eating together at the table.
@srirahayu68 (323)
• Bogor, Indonesia
6 Mar 23
When I was child we did not eat together because we have different activities schedule, and now when I have children sometime I feeding them.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (28899)
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7 Mar 23
@srirahayu68
I always think of that song, ''Don't Blink''.
It's so true. Time goes so fast, blink, and we miss it.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (28899)
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6 Mar 23
I can't tell you what to do, just to enjoy all the time with them that you can. I am sure you know just how fast time flies, and how quickly children grow up. It all just flies by so fast.
1 person likes this
@srirahayu68 (323)
• Bogor, Indonesia
7 Mar 23
@MarieCoyle
Yes Marie, times fly so fast. it feels like my children are still babies and actually my children have grown up now
1 person likes this
@Nurlia (84)
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7 Mar 23
my family and i also eat at the dinner table, my family and also eat at the dinner table,every family has their own activities, by eating together we will have quality time to share stories, motivation and tell what we are doing today, one of the warmth of the family can be obtained by eating together at the dinner table
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (28899)
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7 Mar 23
The years we spend with our family members are limited. Children grow up and have their own lives, parents and grandparents age, time passes. It's good to spend the time with those we love while we can.
@Nurlia (84)
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7 Mar 23
@MarieCoyle time seems to pass so quickly, and they will later form a new family, I teach them the warmth of a family can be started by eating together, I do this to set my heart with my children
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (28899)
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7 Mar 23
That is good, you are spending time together and making memories with no distractions.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (28899)
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8 Mar 23
@Jude07
I am glad you have those good memories to look back on.
1 person likes this
@Jude07 (167)
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8 Mar 23
Our parents always do that maybe because their childhood do the same but i never have a problem with that even i really love it. Especially in dinner time, we can talk what was happen in that day and i think thats make me don't have any problem to tell the truth when i talk to my parents this day. That's a really good memories for me
1 person likes this
