Public Policy Should Promote Family Mealtimes, U Of I Scientist Says

Clearly, a double-edged sword.

"In a new report, University of Illinois professor Barbara H. Fiese urges local, state, and federal governments, businesses, and community leaders to promote family mealtimes as a matter of public policy.

'There are few things parents can do that are as effective in protecting their families as taking 18 to 20 minutes to eat together and talk with each other three to five times a week,' said Fiese, a U of I professor of human development and family studies and the director of the U of I's Family Resiliency Center."

A set-up for a backfire since parents are the ones responsible for making their kids fat.