ABC World News Tonight reported on September 13, that researchers from Columbia University have found the answer to how to keep teenagers on the right path!

Elizabeth Vargas asks viewers, "Want to have your kids stay off drugs and get better grades? Try having dinner with them!" The segment cites a recent survey published by Columbia University which reveals that teens that eat dinner with their families at least five times a week are 42% less likely to drink alcohol, 59% less likely to smoke, and 66% less likely to smoke pot than teens that eat meals with their families two times or less each week. The ABC World News Tonight broadcast also cited a recent Harvard study that states students that eat regularly with their families are 40% more likely to get A's and B's.

Those of us in Minnesota already know about the University of Minnesota Medical School's Center for Adolescent Health and Development finding of last summer that teenagers fare better both physically and emotionally when they eat regularly with their families.

So break out the salad bag and the frozen lasagna! It empowers us and our children!

Posted by Susan at 9/14/2005 08:03:00 AM | Link