We all know that today’s families don’t spend nearly enough time together as a unit, without the interference of cell phones, tablets, or laptops, or a television playing in the background. It’s also true that most meals these days are eaten in restaurants, at work or school, or in the car, despite the many proven benefits of sitting down to a family dinner. Children who eat meals with the family are more likely to have better nutrition, consuming more fruits and vegetables and less fried food. It’s a place for parents to set a good example, like proper eating habits and table manners. Families can also take this time to catch up on each other’s lives, discuss important topics, and bond. One benefit you might not have been aware of, however, is that children who spend more time at the family dinner table are less likely to use drugs or alcohol.
In 2012, the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University surveyed 1,003 young people between the ages of 12 and 17 (493 of whom were boys and 510 girls) about their relationships with their parents. They found that the more times a week a teenager sat down for a family meal, the more likely he or she was to report having good relationships with parents. They also found that family dinners are strongly linked to lower rates of teen substance abuse.
In families that eat zero to two meals together a week, children are more likely to be overweight and have poor relationships with their parents, and they are at higher risk for substance abuse. At three meals a week, researchers began to notice an improvement in the quality of family relationships. Five to seven meals a week, naturally, provided the greatest benefits.
If you’re currently lucky to see your family member’s tail ends as they rush out the door in the morning, don’t think you suddenly have to go from zero to seven meals all at once. Start a calendar of everyone’s activities and look for free nights when everyone can be home. If it’s impossible to get everyone together at dinner time, consider a snack or dessert later in the evening, or even Sunday brunch. Remember that it’s the togetherness that matters – you don’t have to spend hours preparing the perfect meal.
Keep it fun. If someone does have a serious topic they want to discuss, find ways to do so without anyone becoming defensive or argumentative. If no one in the family is used to sharing personal information, it might take a while to break the ice. You can always try icebreakers and little games to keep things light until everyone becomes comfortable. This can be a time to impart knowledge about nutrition, or drug use, or anything else you think is important, but don’t let it turn into a lecture.
If you or a loved one need help with quitting drugs or alcohol, consider Asana Recovery. We offer medical detox, along with both residential and outpatient programs, and you’ll be supervised by a highly trained staff of medical professionals, counselors, and therapists. Call us any time at (949) 438-4504 to get started.
