he more often children and teens eat dinner with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink and use drugs. Children and teens who have frequent family dinners:• are at half the risk for substance abuse compared to teens who dine with their families
Infrequently:
• are less likely to have friends or classmates who use illicit drugs or abuse prescription drugs
• have lower levels of tension and stress at home
• are more likely to say that their parents are proud of them
• are likelier to say they can confide in their parents
• are likelier to get better grades in school
• are more likely to be emotionally content and have positive peer relationships
• have healthier eating habits
• are at lower risk for thoughts of suicide
• are less likely to try marijuana or have friends who use marijuana
