Family Dinners Can Help Prevent Substance Abuse
It is easy to assume that the traditional family meal in the evening has been set aside for busy schedules, soccer games and after school activities. While busy families still want to be involved, it may be a good idea to see how this involvement interferes with family meal time.
According to a recent Star Tribune report, the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University has found that children in families that eat together at least three times per week are at a lower risk of substance abuse. The Center came to this conclusion after conducting studies on substance abuse and family dinners.
Experts suggest that the creation of a family mealtime ritual is an important way to provide structure in a child’s life, while also developing a sense of safety and security. It also provides an opportunity to introduce kids to new foods and talk about healthy eating habits.
During the family meal time, this is also a time for parents to reconnect with their kids. As their children enter the adolescent years, parents find fewer opportunities to connect with their kids and interact with one-to-one conversations. The family dinner table introduces that opportunity, providing kids with the security they seek and a reason to stay away from illegal substances.
The results of the study conducted by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse suggest that even 15 minutes at the table together can help to provide structure and security for teens that may turn to substance abuse to fill a gap.
