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Family Meals Benefit TeensChildren Who Eat With Parents Are Healthier and More SuccessfulStudies show that family meals lead to academic success for children, healthier bodies, and fewer emotional and behavior problems.
Many studies point to the benefits of family meals, which include academic success, health, and high self esteem. Author and speaker Jack Petrash said he discovered some common themes that contribute to healthy teens. One of these is family meal time. Petrash noted that he has seen more research citing regular family meals as a benefit for teens than any other factor. Petrash is an educator and author of parenting books including Navigating the Terrain of Childhood, Nova Institute Press, January 2004. Family Meals = Fewer Mental Health ProblemsThe most recent research on the benefits of family meals was conducted by the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis and published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, August 2004. Researchers found adolescents who ate with their families most often did better in school and were less likely to use drugs and alcohol and less likely to have symptoms of depression or physical problems than those who ate with their families less often. Family meals were associated with fewer mental health problems, such as low self- esteem, depression, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts. Family Meals Predict Academic SuccessA 1999 University of Michigan study of how children spend their time found that more meal time at home was the single strongest predictor of better achievement scores and fewer behavioral problems. Meal time was far more powerful than time spent in school, studying, church, playing sports, and art activities. The largest federally funded study of teens, "Teens and Their Parents in the 21st Century: An Examination of Trends in Teen Behavior and the Role of Parental Involvement," released in 2000, discovered a strong association between regular family meals (five or more dinners per week with a parent) and academic success, psychological adjustment, and lower rates of alcohol use, drug use, early sexual behavior, and suicidal risk. Results held for both one parent and two parent families and after controlling for social class factors. Family Meals Are HealthierFinally, a Harvard study published in the March 2000 issue of Archives of Family Medicine showed that eating family dinners together most or all days of the week is associated with eating more healthfully. These families generally consumed higher amounts of important nutrients such as calcium, fiber, iron, vitamins B6 and B12, C and E, and consumed less overall fat, compared to families who "never" or "only sometimes" eat meals together. No doubt there are more studies which point to the value of family meals, however, these four certainly provide enough evidence that family meal time is imperative for a healthy family. Why is it so important? Probably because in our quick-paced, challenging world it gives us the opportunity to slow down and connect with each other. And survey after survey show that kids want to connect with their parents. Making Family Meals a PriorityFamilies need to make family meals a priority It isn't so important that parents spend hours preparing the meal. It can be nutritious fast food. However, the ambiance of the meal is important. Experts say that family meal time is not the time to bring up problems or to drill the kids. Conversation should be lighthearted, but there should be conversation, not a television droning in the background. The point is to try to connect with each other. A candle works wonders for setting the mood and a prayer to start the meal brings ritual to the table. Regular family meals can provide a safe haven for adults and children in these stressful and challenging times.
The copyright of the article Family Meals Benefit Teens in Teen Health is owned by Claudia M. Lenart. Permission to republish Family Meals Benefit Teens in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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