I know you will all agree that family is the most important thing in our lives. Without the love and support of your family what do you really have? Recent studies have shown that eating dinner with your children helps them in more ways than you ever imagined. A study from the University of Minnesota showed that teenagers who regularly eat dinner with their family had better grades and their rates for depression were lower. Emory University found that teens had higher self-esteems and better peer relationships when parents engaged in story telling at the dinner table. Columbia uncovered that teens who lack family dinners are more inclined to drink, smoke, and spend time with sexually active friends. Also twelve and thirteen year olds are outrageously six times likelier to have used marijuana. Eating dinner with family also helps with healthier eating habits, which in turn lessens the rate of obesity. These statistics come from the article "The Truth About Family Dinners" found in The Miami Herald. It seems that most Americans do make time for family dinners; I say keep up the good work.
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Keller Williams Realty - Laguna Niguel, CA
Laguna Niguel Real Estate
I firmly believe in family dinners. It's what my family practiced and I practice with my family as well. Great Blog with good info. Thanks!
Nov 13, 2007 07:57 AM
Windermere Real Estate/Whatcom, Inc. - Bellingham, WA
Bellingham Commercial Real Estate
Adriana, I agree with your post and the findings of many researchers on this topic. I would also like to say that parents need to have their kids look out the window while riding in the car instead of watching a movie or playing video games. Real life experiences are fundamental building blocks in a child's mind. They may even ask questions about what they see and the parent will be able to share their knowledge, which is what child rearing is about.
Nov 13, 2007 09:50 AM
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