In the modern world, finding time to relax and spend with your family is increasingly difficult.
Everybody is always rushing here, there and everywhere, and pinning loved ones down in one place is becoming one of the greatest challenges facing Brits.
However, having a special place in which to simply be a family is important for both relationships and overall health.
While often referred to as the heart of the home, many households are failing to make use of the potential of the
kitchen to bring families together.
A young family sitting down to a meal in the kitchen is one of the iconic British images and, according to Mary George, spokeswoman for eating disorder charity Beat, it's time that this image was made a reality once again.
Ms George explains that eating as a family is important to create a positive attitude about food.
"Eating together as a family from the outset, and providing a well balanced menu as a norm, ensures that food is thought of in a positive light."
It is also important not to talk about dieting to children, but instead focus on nutrition and healthy eating.
"Historically at this time of year we are bombarded with take of dieting," she explained. "It is important that this does not permeate through to the children.
"Children need a good, balanced diet which includes some fat, to help their growing bones."
Preparing meals with children is also a great way to promote positive food attitudes, by ensuring that they absorb the principles of a healthy, balanced diet at an early age, which will "better their chances of having a normal relationship with food in the future".
Ms George's advice comes hot on the heels of research by Onepoll and Youngpoll, revealing that almost a quarter of children under ten consider themselves overweight.
Some 28 per cent have also been bullied because of their weight, while 26 per cent have skipped a meal in the hope of losing some pounds.
