Did you know that the more often children and teens eat meals with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink and use illegal drugs? That fact is the reason the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University created Family Day – A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children in 2001.

Family Day is celebrated on the fourth Monday in September – the 22nd in 2008. This is a national movement that encourages families to frequently share meals as one way to stay connected to each other and help lessen the chance children and teens will abuse substances.

It does not matter if families are gathering for macaroni and cheese, a five-course meal, or a meal at a favorite restaurant, it is the simple act of taking time to eat meals together regularly that makes the difference.

Families also do not need to limit the meals they share with each other to the evening meal.  If schedules do not permit sharing the evening meal, consider eating breakfast together.

CASA research consistently shows that frequent family meals make a difference in children’s lives. According to CASA’s report The Importance of Family Dinners III, when compared to teens having fewer than three family meals per week, teens having at least five family meals per week are: 

• At 70 percent lower risk for substance abuse.    

• Half as likely to try cigarettes.

• Half as likely to be daily cigarette smokers.

• Half as likely to try marijuana.

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• One third less likely to try alcohol.

• Half as likely to get drunk monthly.

• Less likely to have friends who drink alcohol and use marijuana.

• Likelier to get better grades in school.

• Likelier to have parents who take responsibility for teen drug use.

• Almost 40 percent likelier to say future drug use will never happen.

 This year, Scott County Public Health, with community partners, is promoting Family Day and encouraging all Scott County families to celebrate by eating a meal together on Sept. 22 and carrying that habit forward throughout the year.   For more information about Family Day, visit www.CASAFamilyDay.org.