For years experts have reported that families who dine together, are strong families and this creates strong kids. A new survey of nearly 5,000 Minnesota teens found that those who shared meals with their families were mentally and emotionally healthier and engaged less often in risky behavior. The results were published last week in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine


The Star Tribune also spoke with Plymouth families about how they succeed in having regular family meals. The Ries family created a simple ritual of holding hands around the table during grace. The Naumann’s provide opportunities for all generations at their weekend cabin. Visit It’s Dinner Time or our Links page for more ideas on creating unforgettable meals.

We will be featuring lots of mealtime news in the next few months. Family Day — A Day to Eat Dinner With Your Children — September 27th, 2004 is sponsored by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA*) at Columbia University. October is National Eat Better; Eat Together month

With summer vacation almost over, see if you can plan an end of summer dinner celebration or picnic, and discuss how your family might be able to schedule in regular meals throughout the school year.

Posted by Susan at 8/12/2004 02:45:59 PM | Link