Six in 10 families depend on dinner time to connect

The study of 1000 parents found they spend on average 25 minutes a day together with their families and eat four dinners together in a typical week, with 97% considering this time as an important part of their life. Away from mealtimes, 59% of mums and dads feel they are like passing ships in the night with their children, thanks to school and work, after-school clubs and distractions from tech. As many as 65% believe eating together improves the family bond, according to the research by Gousto and more than a quarter (26%) claim that it's during mealtimes that they laugh together the most.

A spokesperson from the recipe box brand said: "With the school routine back in full swing, sitting down together for a home-cooked dinner becomes even more important for quality family time." "Our latest research shows dinnertime really is one of the few moments families can connect without distractions, amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life." "We love to see how many people consider dinner, not only as such an important part of their day, but something they look forward to.

There really is nothing better than catching up with the people you love over delicious food." The stats went on to find 83% like to ban tech at the table in order to ensure they have a proper conversation. As many as 46% find it easier to discuss important matters over a meal, with 59% using it as an opportunity to converse more openly about their children's lives.

Additionally, exactly three in 10 believe it's a time when they can escape from everyday life in their own little bubble. Moreover, 77% like to use it to spend quality time with their children - as a result, 86% look forward to mealtimes together. Top conversation topics include what's happening at school or work, how everyone's day went, and any amusing stories that have recently occurred.

Others (58%) anticipate this time of day so they can savour delicious food. According to the stats by OnePoll, spaghetti bolognese, pizza and pasta bake are the favourite home-cooked dinner-time staples when the kids are back at school. The spokesperson from Gousto added: "We encourage families to spend quality time together over dinner, so it's reassuring that the results show parents have the same mindset.

" "This is why we've created recipes that don't take long to prepare and that kids can follow as well - allowing parents and children to spend more time together." The top 10 midweek meals are: Spaghetti Bolognese Pizza Pasta bake Chicken and chips Fish and chips Bangers and mash Jacket potato Curries Stir fry Stews.