What Are the Statistics on Family Sit-Down Meals & How They Affect Youth?

Self-discovery and rebellion characterize childhood and adolescence. During such times, values and habits can be shaped by family traditions. Family sit-down meals can be a predictor of youth behavior and academic success.

  1. Academic Performance

    • Family sit-down dinners can be a time when parents and children discuss school-related problems. A study by Columbia University's National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) reveals that middle and high school students who partake in less than three meals a week with family are twice as likely to receive grades of "C" or lower than students who partake in five and seven meals per week with family.

    Substance Abuse

    • The CASA study indicates that youth who lack opportunities to participate in family sit-down meals are twice as likely to use tobacco and alcohol and one and a half times more likely to use marijuana. The study indicates that substance abuse arises from decreased communication opportunities between parents and children.

    Family Relationships

    • Family sit-down meals promote social bonding. The CASA study shows that youth whose families do not have regular sit-down meals are approximately three times more likely to report fair or poor relationships with parents than youth participating in regular family sit-down meals.

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