What if there was a method to set your children up for academic success that was free, and as a side benefit, reduced the risks of substance abuse and grounded your kids in the ethical framework they need to navigate the world wide web? Impossible you say? Not really – the answer is in all of your homes.
It’s the family dinner table.
A recent study by The National Centre on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University states:
“Teens who have frequent family dinners are likelier to report getting better grades in school. Teens who have dinner with their families five or more times a week are likelier to say they receive either all A’s or mostly A’s and B’s in school compared to teens who have dinner with their families fewer than three times a week (63 percent vs. 49 percent).”
In addition to reports of academic success, the study goes on to indicate that teens who have regular family dinners five or more times per week are less likely to become involved with drug and alcohol abuse. It appears that the family dinner table opens up communication among family members and would then naturally lead to a greater sense of engagement with their parents among teens.
The family dinner table also opens a natural and relaxed environment for kids to discuss a variety of topics with their parents over a period of time. This environment also provides parents with an opportunity to get involved with values education in a less ‘preachy’ way. Providing your kids with a sound ethical base is a great way to equip them to use the power of the internet safely, without the ‘net nanny’ software.
The family dinner does not have to be a five-course gourmet dinner prepared by one parent every day. Indeed, this is a great opportunity for everyone to chip in with the preparation of a nutritious meal that can be shared over a table sitting away from television, video games and Blackberries. My own children, now adults, fondly recall the family dinner (even the mac and cheese versions) as placeholders in their day and I certainly relished the opportunity for conversation with my kids and spouse.
In today’s economic climate, the family dinner not only has substantial academic and social benefits for your kids, but is also a good strategy for saving.
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About George Briggs
Anne-Marie Kee, executive director of Canadian Education Standards Institute also writes on this topic in her post titled Homework Advice : http://www.ourkids.net/blog/?p=379