FREQUENT FAMILY MEALS PROTECT OUR CHILDRENFREQUENT FAMILY MEALS PROTECT OUR CHILDREN

Presented by: (add presenter name here)Presented by: (add presenter name here)

Written by Alina Baltazar, Katherine Conopio,Written by Alina Baltazar, Katherine Conopio,Gary Hopkins, Duane C. McBrideGary Hopkins, Duane C. McBride

Institute for Prevention of AddictionsInstitute for Prevention of AddictionsAndrews University, Berrien SpringsAndrews University, Berrien Springs

From From Revival and Reformation: Building Family MemoriesRevival and Reformation: Building Family Memories

Institute for Prevention of Addictions

LEARNING OBJECTIVESLEARNING OBJECTIVES

Improve awareness of the importance of frequent family meals. 

Develop a plan to implement more regular family meals.

THE THREAT TO FAMILY THE THREAT TO FAMILY MEALSMEALS

Family gatherings around the table have been common Family gatherings around the table have been common throughout human history.throughout human history.

These days families are slowly drifting apart for many These days families are slowly drifting apart for many reasons:reasons:

Demanding jobsDemanding jobs Extra-curricular activities Extra-curricular activities Modern communicationModern communication Multiple forms of mediaMultiple forms of media

This is a sad situation because research has found that This is a sad situation because research has found that frequent family dinners can protect our youth from a frequent family dinners can protect our youth from a number of dangerous situations and experiences.number of dangerous situations and experiences.

Group DiscussionGroup Discussion Have the group report what they think interferes with family Have the group report what they think interferes with family

meals in this modern world.meals in this modern world.

HOW FAMILY MEALS HELP HOW FAMILY MEALS HELP OUR CHILDRENOUR CHILDREN

Leads to lasting emotional bonds Leads to lasting emotional bonds between parents and children.between parents and children.

Gives children a place to discuss Gives children a place to discuss problems and solutions with parents.problems and solutions with parents.

A place to form traditions that unite A place to form traditions that unite the family and give children stability the family and give children stability and routine.and routine.

IMPROVED SOCIAL AND IMPROVED SOCIAL AND MENTAL STABILITYMENTAL STABILITY

Higher self-esteemHigher self-esteem

Less depressionLess depression

Decreased self-mutilationDecreased self-mutilation

Lower rates of suicide ideation and attemptsLower rates of suicide ideation and attempts

Lower rates of obesityLower rates of obesity

Make better nutritional food choicesMake better nutritional food choices

WHAT DO TEENS THINK OF WHAT DO TEENS THINK OF FAMILY DINNERS?FAMILY DINNERS?

Many think young people donMany think young people don’’t enjoy t enjoy these kind of activities.these kind of activities.

Studies have found that 79% of teens Studies have found that 79% of teens enjoy dining with their family.enjoy dining with their family.

The social aspect of family dinners is The social aspect of family dinners is enjoyed by 65% of teens and 75% of enjoyed by 65% of teens and 75% of parents, even reporting they would give parents, even reporting they would give up a weekend activity to make it a up a weekend activity to make it a priority.priority.

GROUP ACTIVITYGROUP ACTIVITY

Reminisce about your positive Reminisce about your positive memories around family dinners memories around family dinners from your childhood. from your childhood.

What did you enjoy about your family What did you enjoy about your family meals as a child?meals as a child?

CHALLENGES OF THE CHALLENGES OF THE TEEN YEARSTEEN YEARS

Teen years is a time of exploration Teen years is a time of exploration and identity development.and identity development.

This searching can lead to unhealthy This searching can lead to unhealthy and risky behaviors.and risky behaviors.

Common risky behaviors for teens:Common risky behaviors for teens: Use of alcohol, tobacco, substance abuse, Use of alcohol, tobacco, substance abuse,

unsafe sexual practices, eating disorders, unsafe sexual practices, eating disorders, delinquent behavior, and self-harm.delinquent behavior, and self-harm.

DECREASED HEALTH RISK DECREASED HEALTH RISK BEHAVIORSBEHAVIORS

Having 5 meals per week reduces Having 5 meals per week reduces likelihood of:likelihood of: Alcohol useAlcohol use Substance abuseSubstance abuse Early sexual participationEarly sexual participation Teens away at college use less alcohol & Teens away at college use less alcohol &

less sexual activityless sexual activity

SAFER CHILDRENSAFER CHILDREN

Less likely to be bullied at schoolLess likely to be bullied at school Be slapped by a boy/girlfriendBe slapped by a boy/girlfriend Date rapedDate raped More apt to wear a seatbelt andMore apt to wear a seatbelt and Wear a bicycle helmetWear a bicycle helmet

HOW TO MAKE HOW TO MAKE FAMILY DINNERS ENJOYABLEFAMILY DINNERS ENJOYABLE It should be a pleasant time for It should be a pleasant time for

everyone.everyone. Avoid conflict and criticism (this Avoid conflict and criticism (this

increases risk behavior).increases risk behavior). Serve savory and healthy food.Serve savory and healthy food. Have everyone pitch in with the Have everyone pitch in with the

preparation and clean up.preparation and clean up.

WAYS TO FIT IT ALL INWAYS TO FIT IT ALL IN Be flexible with the time and location of Be flexible with the time and location of

your family meals.your family meals. They can be at breakfast time or multiple They can be at breakfast time or multiple

times on the weekends.times on the weekends. Make the table a no technology zone.Make the table a no technology zone. Protect this special time with your family, Protect this special time with your family,

dondon’’t answer the phone.t answer the phone. Get unplugged and enjoy!!!Get unplugged and enjoy!!! It may not happen every day, about 4/5 It may not happen every day, about 4/5

per week to see significant benefit.per week to see significant benefit.

GROUP DISCUSSIONGROUP DISCUSSION

What are some ways that family What are some ways that family meals can be more enjoyable for the meals can be more enjoyable for the whole family?whole family?

When is a good time for your family When is a good time for your family to have more regular meals to have more regular meals together?together?