Share the Learning

I know all of you know this but here's something from my Psych class this week:

In 1996, the National Court Appointed Advocate Association (CASA) launched a study on factors related to adolescent substance use (CASA, 2007). Findings indicated that parent engagement was the most effective tool for preventing substance abuse in young people. In addition, risk for substance abuse was especially low in families that frequently ate meals together. Follow-up studies show that although the average family meal lasts only about 18 to 20 minutes, it is an important context for child and adolescent development. Fiese and Schwartz (2008) identify the following positive outcomes associated with frequent family mealtimes:

1.    For families with children under the age of 12, time spent eating together predicts fewer behavior problems.

2.    Children who share frequent family meals sleep better than those who never or rarely participate in family mealtimes.

3.    Frequency of family meals is related to a reduced risk of obesity and a greater consumption of fruits and vegetables.

4.    Family mealtimes are a protective factor against eating disorders.

5.    Children who share frequent family meals are more emotionally content, have better peer relationships, work harder in school, and have better communication with their parents than children who rarely experience family meals.

6.    Frequency of family meals predicts vocabulary growth and academic achievement. Family mealtimes provide valuable opportunities for conversation and storytelling and help children acquire social skills, such as turn taking and table manners.

7.    As children move into adolescence, family mealtimes predict lower rates of drug taking, depression, and delinquency.

What factors contribute to the positive outcomes associated with family meals? Fiese and Schwartz (2008) point out that there is no specific cutoff point for meal frequency and healthy outcomes. However, research suggests that five meals a week seems to be optimal, whereas three meals are not. In addition, the family climate plays an important role, as the most favorable outcomes tend to occur when mealtimes are well-organized and well-regulated. Television viewing during mealtimes is associated with less socialization, conversation, and monitoring of children's behavior and a greater likelihood of overeating. Thus, the television should remain off during family meals. Although the contemporary family is becoming increasingly busy and overscheduled, a very simple routine-family mealtimes-can have significant and enduring benefits for children and adolescents.