HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Rise Up Reno is celebrating Family Day — A Day to Eat Dinner With Your Children — Sept. 26. This is a day to promote the positive benefits of eating together as a family. Family Day is a nationwide initiative to show that parental engagement is the single-most potent weapon in preventing substance misuse among youth.
Sitting together at the family dinner table may seem a little less common with the busy lives people lead these days, however, a family meal together helps cultivate an environment where parents can have a conversation with their children. Research done by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASAFamilyDay.org) consistently finds that the more often children eat dinner with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink or misuse drugs.
They also create a foundation of connection and acceptance for their children. It gives families the opportunity to discuss serious or fun topics and teach their children problem-solving skills, resulting in a lesser chance of substance misuse or negative risk taking. Overall, youth from families who often share mealtimes are more likely to be emotionally content, motivated, and involved in their education. Family Day should not be just one day. Find ways you can schedule more family time at the dinner table to talk about what’s going on in your child’s world. After all, what your kids really want at the dinner table is you!
Rise Up Reno is having a Family Day Photo Contest. The organization hopes families in the community will have fun being involved and learning the benefits of eating together as a family. Photos of your family can be shared or messaged to any of Rise Up Reno's social media, including Facebook, at Rise Up Reno Prevention Network. One lucky family will be notified Sept. 28 and receive a $100 prize package.
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