1. Presented by: (add presenter name here)
Institute for Prevention of Addictions
FREQUENT FAMILY MEALS PROTECT OUR CHILDREN
Presented by: (add presenter name here)
Written by Alina Baltazar, Katherine Conopio,
Gary Hopkins, Duane C. McBride
Institute for Prevention of Addictions
Andrews University, Berrien Springs From Revival and Reformation: Building Family Memories

2. LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Improve awareness of the importance of frequent family meals. 
Develop a plan to implement more regular family meals.

3. THE THREAT TO FAMILY MEALS
Family gatherings around the table have been common throughout human history.
These days families are slowly drifting apart for many reasons:
Demanding jobs
Extra-curricular activities
Modern communication
Multiple forms of media
This is a sad situation because research has found that frequent family dinners can protect our youth from a number of dangerous situations and experiences.
Group Discussion
Have the group report what they think interferes with family meals in this modern world.

4. HOW FAMILY MEALS HELP OUR CHILDREN
Leads to lasting emotional bonds between parents and children.
Gives children a place to discuss problems and solutions with parents.
A place to form traditions that unite the family and give children stability and routine.

5. IMPROVED SOCIAL AND MENTAL STABILITY
Higher self-esteem
Less depression
Decreased self-mutilation
Lower rates of suicide ideation and attempts
Lower rates of obesity
Make better nutritional food choices
We are arguing that all of our youth live in a high risk environment. The media and general society is saturated with alcohol, drugs, sex, and pornography.

6. WHAT DO TEENS THINK OF FAMILY DINNERS?
Many think young people don’t enjoy these kind of activities.
Studies have found that 79% of teens enjoy dining with their family.
The social aspect of family dinners is enjoyed by 65% of teens and 75% of parents, even reporting they would give up a weekend activity to make it a priority.

7. GROUP ACTIVITY
Reminisce about your positive memories around family dinners from your childhood.
What did you enjoy about your family meals as a child?

8. CHALLENGES OF THE TEEN YEARS
Teen years is a time of exploration and identity development.
This searching can lead to unhealthy and risky behaviors.
Common risky behaviors for teens:
Use of alcohol, tobacco, substance abuse, unsafe sexual practices, eating disorders, delinquent behavior, and self-harm.

9. DECREASED HEALTH RISK BEHAVIORS
Having 5 meals per week reduces likelihood of:
Alcohol use
Substance abuse
Early sexual participation
Teens away at college use less alcohol & less sexual activity

10. SAFER CHILDREN Less likely to be bullied at school
Be slapped by a boy/girlfriend
Date raped
More apt to wear a seatbelt and
Wear a bicycle helmet

11. HOW TO MAKE FAMILY DINNERS ENJOYABLE
It should be a pleasant time for everyone.
Avoid conflict and criticism (this increases risk behavior).
Serve savory and healthy food.
Have everyone pitch in with the preparation and clean up.

12. WAYS TO FIT IT ALL IN
Be flexible with the time and location of your family meals.
They can be at breakfast time or multiple times on the weekends.
Make the table a no technology zone.
Protect this special time with your family, don’t answer the phone.
Get unplugged and enjoy!!!
It may not happen every day, about 4/5 per week to see significant benefit.

13. GROUP DISCUSSION
What are some ways that family meals can be more enjoyable for the whole family?
When is a good time for your family to have more regular meals together?