Frequent Family Meals Might Reduce Teen Substance Use

Description Parents who have regular meals with their adolescent children might help lessen the chances they will start drinking or smoking later in their teen years, according to a new study. Researchers noted benefits in families that ate five or more meals together each week, and found that about 60 percent of the participants did so. Newswise — Parents who have regular meals with their adolescent children might help lessen the chances they will start drinking or smoking later in their teen years, according to new research. Past studies have shown that family meals provide many benefits, including offering a venue for parents to communicate with their adolescents about their daily activities, as well as monitor their moods and whereabouts. In the new study, researchers noted benefits in families that ate five or more meals... [read full story]