Eating more dinners with your teens can have a powerful effect on your teen’s health and well-being.

The results of a new study reveal that teens who eat dinner with their families five or more times per week had better grades, less stress, and lower rates of smoking, drinking alcohol, and drug use compared with teens who have two or less family dinners.

Mealtime provides a valuable opportunity for you and your teen to discuss topics of special interest and concern. It is a simple and effective way to be engaged in your teen’s life.

The study found that teens who have frequent meals with their parents are more likely to turn to one or both parents if they have a serious problem.

Source: The Importance of Family Dinners II, September 2005, The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, Columbia University.