Take Time to Talk at Table Today

It is so easy to eat on the run, in front of a television, being distracted or blasted by images, sounds, and words. Recently, my husband and I set aside time to eat a meal at a local restaurant. Amid the pulse of conversations, televisions situated in ceiling corners were bombasting through the restaurant with images and sounds. I wondered how families eating at this restaurant would be able to carry on a conversation with family members. During the meal, I had to raise my voice to be heard across the table.

For several years (2003-2008) the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University has organized and championed “Family Day.” In their campaign they list statistics on children who infrequently have family dinners (less than three per week). These children are 2.5 times likelier to have used marijuana; 2.5 times likelier to have used tobacco, and 1.5 times likelier to have drunk alcohol. Children who frequently have meals with their family (five or more per week) are less likely to use marijuana, tobacco, and drink alcohol. The center’s web site encourages parents to take the STAR Pledge to commit to:
· Spend time with your children by having dinner together
· Talk to them about their friends, interests and dangers of drugs and alcohol
· Answer their questions and listen to what they say
· Recognize that YOU have power to keep your children substance-free.

Your thoughts on taking time to talk at the table?

Louise Ritz, Marriage and Family Life Office