Family dinners reduce harmful substance abuse in children: study
A new study shows teenagers who have regular family dinners are less likely to smoke, drink or use drugs.
The studies done over 10 years by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University showed that by having a family meal at least three nights a week can strengthen the family unit and make your children less susceptible to harmful influences.
"America's drug problem is not going to be solved in courtrooms or legislative hearing rooms by judges and politicians. It will be solved in living rooms and dining rooms and across kitchen tables - by parents and families,” said Joseph A. Califano, Jr., CASA's founder and chairman.
The studies also showed better grades in school when children have family dinner.
Many mothers find it challenging to prepare a meal everyday but also even in the times when the schedule is packed ordering pizza and eating it together as a family is important.
Experts recommend using premade ingredients to speed up cooking time, lika using pasta sauce and frozen veggies.