Why Family Meals Matter
The “wonderful cohesive power” of face-to-face family interactions.
Updated August 26, 2025 | Reviewed by Kaja Perina
In relation to mirror neurons , research undertaken by Roland (2014), referring to Bennett-Levy, Roland points out that if an individual were to observe someone lift a cup of coffee, this observation leads to neurons firing in the same location of the brain as that of the person lifting the cup of coffee as well as the observer of this action. From a brain-based perspective, this neurological mirror response takes place “in the frontal and parietal lobes.” These responding neurons, according to Roland, are referred to as anticipatory mirror neurons (Roland, 2014, p. 209).
The Role of Mirror Neurons
Further to this, the research informs that these mirror neurons may also enable “humans to gauge another person’s intentions and sensory experience.” The research informs that this mirror- neuron network is what potentially gives rise to that affective state of empathy, and it has a specific anatomical location. The suggested brain-based location for this “interoceptive sense – the awareness of our internal states” occurs in the insula of the brain (Roland, 2014, p.210).
In terms of anatomical location, the insula (also known as the insular) is not visible because it is “hidden under the temporal, frontal and parietal opercula, as well as under dense arterial and venous vessels, its accessibility is particularly restricted” (Stephani et al., 2011, p. 137).
According to Claxton (2015), the insula/insular is involved in the affective states of empathy. Research into the development of emotions shows that face-to-face social interactions not only activate, rewire, and positively reshape the brain, but these interactions may also have an impact on a person’s emotional and social development. This is especially important within the cultural and social structure of the family, which one may suggest is the most important social structure in all cultures (Bronfenbrenner, 2013; Gallese, et al., 2004; Lally & Mangione, 2017; Milcent et al., 2022; Repetti et al., 2002).
The Importance of Family Communication
When individuals and families communicate effectively and meaningfully , they engage in ongoing conversations; they also share thoughts, feelings, ideas, and experiences. In fact, they consistently share all aspects of themselves, especially during mealtimes.
Shared mealtimes are profoundly important times that nourish the mind, body, and the all-important family bond. This situation activates not only mirror neurons, but also continues to enhance ongoing cognitive, psychological, emotional, social, and cultural development processes (Schulte-Rüther et a., 2007; Utter, et al., 2018).
Research also shows that synchronous interpersonal interactions, especially within parent–child relationships, cause the release of oxytocin , which then helps to support the complex development of the brain, mind, and related social and emotional growth of the universal human condition, particularly in children from birth (Feldman, 2015; Szymanska et al., 2017).
Similarly, other studies show that verbal and non-verbal family interactions, including shared routines and family rituals, especially mealtimes, play a vital role in developing and strengthening feelings of empathy and wellbeing. This supports the child’s growth in self-efficacy and self-esteem, as well as their pereverance and resilience , which, in turn, helps build and boost self-confidence (Hosokawa et al., 2023; Selman & Dilworth‐Bart, 2024; Spagnola & Fiese, 2007).
Ultimately, all of this can strengthen and enhance the child’s overall sense of security and self-worth. These personal and social factors contribute to deep and secure cognitive insights, plus psychological and emotional growth within the family itself. Most importantly, this happens organically and naturally; nothing else is involved except the family members themselves, no matter their number. When talk happens, so do connections (Cheng et al., 2024; Fosco et al., 2012; Wang et al., 2021).
The Cohesive Power of Family Mealtimes
This wonderful family-unifying “cohesive power” is achieved entirely by and through the all-encompassing and all-consuming face-to-face family interactions that are taking place at this time. And one of the most important times is the shared family meal time (Cheng et al., 2024; Fosco et al., 2012; Wang et al., 2021).
That is because it is during these family mealtimes that conversations flow with endless chatter, talk, and laughter , creating a wonderful, cohesive family cacophony that is deeply understood and valued by the family involved. And this is what takes place in all families. These interactions are specific to each family, at the deepest personal and social level, within each family. That is why this is so important and holistically powerful. I understand, you understand, we understand. We are one! (Armstrong-Carter & Telzer, 2020; Utter et al., 2018).
Shared mealtime interactions and communications are not merely social pleasantries. What is also happening at these times is that profound neurological connections are taking place, as well as the ongoing and all-important development of cohesive emotional attachments, and even deeper cognitive connections and along with sincerity, family integrity and rituals are occurring. These are the times when cultural, social, and personal family bonding is at its pinnacle best (Armstrong-Carter & Telzer, 2020; Utter et al., 2018).
Screen Time is Not Bonding Time
This research now leads to the added importance of face-to-face family time as opposed to “ screen time ”, which, in terms of communication, is not family time. These mealtime interactions and family talk time have been shown to support brain, mind, learning and even language and literacy development, as well as to cultivate and promote psychosocial and emotional well-being, and strengthen family identity , emotional bonds, and family cohesion (Armstrong-Carter & Telzer, 2020; Utter et al., 2018).
However, when screen time disrupts and replaces face-to-face family interactions and the vital and meaningful ritual of family meal times, as research suggests, everything changes, starting with the brain, which then also negatively impacts the entire universal human condition.
If a screen is placed before a baby, the research informs that the baby will stop moving and stop babbling. The research clearly shows that if a baby does not move or babble, their language and motor development can be seriously affected or even severely delayed (Bakht et al., 2025; Carson et al., 2015; Sugiyama et al., 2023; Takahashi et al., 2023).
This directly leads to reduced neurological and neuromuscular stimulation, impairing the brain’s ability to support language development, as well as a significant reduction in coordination and associated fine, gross and overall motor learning development. Gaming on a screen is not play .
Without this comprehensive neurological and motor learning support continuously taking place; without the required and immutable continuous family interactions occurring; without physical play taking place (especially with children), the required brain development, the complex cognitive and emotional development, the language and imagination developmental potential and the overall holistic physical coordination, and motor learning skills and development cannot occur, as intricately and universally successfully as required (Bakht et al., 2025; Carson et al., 2015; Sugiyama et al., 2023; Takahashi et al., 2023).
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This article is part of the Bringwise Psychology Journal — daily insights on human behavior, mental health, and personal growth.