Did you know that only 43 percent of children in a recent study reported eating dinner with their families every day? (Gilman, et al., 2000).

These families are missing out on many significant benefits, including the development of character, better social and communication skills and improved nutrition. Others have found family meals to be associated with decreased risk of teen alcohol and drug use, early sexual behavior or suicide.

Why not make the effort to establish family meals as a top priority in your home? Think of ways to involve everyone. Families seem to gain the most when each member is not only a consumer, but also a contributor.

So, rather than listening to the news tonight, let’s connect with our families.