We investigated the correlation between parent-child relationships (mother-child relationships, father-child relationships) and the concept of eating family meals together at home, and the atmosphere that existed during these meals. We interviewed 338 elementary school children. The main results were as follows: (1) Children with unstable parent-child relationships selected “I feel best when I eat meals alone at home” far more than those with stable ones. (2) Children with unstable mother-child relationships showed a marked tendency to feel discomfort during family meals, whereas those with stable ones felt comfortable. (3) The more children answered “I feel best when eating breakfast alone”, the less they indicated having actual meals together as a family.
