Family breakfast in decline, survey finds

THE POPULAR depiction of parents and children sitting around the breakfast table together is fast becoming a myth, according to a new survey which reveals that 43 per cent of families do not eat a morning meal together.

It also found that majority of under 15-year-olds chose their own breakfast and many watched television as they ate.

Some 41 per cent of families who breakfasted together said the television was turned on as they ate their meal.

While 80 per cent of parents said they decided on what would be eaten for dinner, children chose their own breakfasts in 69 per cent of cases.

Half of parents surveyed said they did not know what their children were eating for at least two of the three meals of the day.

The survey found that 76 per cent of families were not eating a healthy breakfast, with sugary foods taking the place of healthy cereals, wholemeal bread, fruit, milk and juice.

While parents were more involved in preparing dinner, the survey found that 38 per cent of families who ate dinner together had the TV on during the meal.

Leisurely meals appear to be a thing of the past, with 49 per cent of people saying their meal was over in less than 10 minutes.

On a positive note, 44 per cent of parents surveyed said their children’s schools banned unhealthy foods in lunch boxes.

The statistics were produced from interviews with more than 1,000 families, conducted face to face outside shopping centres around the country by the Direct to Market communications agency on behalf of Dawn Omega.

Commenting on the findings, nutritionist Aoife Kirwan said breakfast was the most essential meal of the day.

“Porridge made with milk with a glass of juice or fresh fruit with yoghurt, a glass of milk and some wholemeal bread is the ideal start to anyone’s day.”