Pubdate: Wed, 24 Sep 2003 Source: Fort Pierce Tribune (FL) Copyright: 2003 The E.W. Scripps Co. Contact: http://www.tcpalm.com/tcp/tribune Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2050 MEAL TIME TOGETHER IMPORTANT Perhaps you missed "Family Day: A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children." The third annual event sponsored by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University and endorsed by President Bush, numerous governors and mayors was officially held on Monday. The message of the day, however, is applicable every day. On the Treasure Coast as elsewhere across America, the gathering of family members around the dinner table has declined and is especially infrequent when children become teenagers. Busy schedules notwithstanding, the loss of that family time can have adverse consequences. Wade F. Horn, assistant secretary for children and families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said, "It is vital that frequent family dinners become a permanent fixture for children, not only when they are young, but throughout their teenage years. The frequency of family dinners decreases significantly as children enter and go through high school - -- and that's just when the benefits of family dinners may be needed most." CASA regularly conducts surveys of young people regarding trends in connection with substance abuse. The most recent survey, conducted in conjunction with Family Day, found that teenagers who have dinner with their families five or more times a week, compared to teenagers who have dinner with their families two or less nights per week, are 32 percent likelier never to have tried cigarettes, 43 percent likelier never to have tried alcohol and 24 percent likelier never to have smoked marijuana. Also, teens who have frequent dinners with their families are almost twice as likely to receive A's in schoolwork and those who make A's and B's are at half the risk of substance abuse. In its support of Family Day, the Florida Department of Health said, "Teens who have regular family meals are less likely to get into fights, get suspended from school, have sex, or have suicidal thoughts. . . . Family meals promote bonding and family interaction. They can help children improve their self-esteem and develop social skills that can last a lifetime." The gathering of the entire family around the table does not necessarily have to be at the evening meal. It could also be at breakfast or at lunch. The important matter is that there be time set aside to eat and converse -- without television, video games or other distractions. Families that make the effort benefit considerably. We hope more families will recognize and take advantage of such opportunities for better life results. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh