In the rush of daily life, sitting down together for dinner can feel like a luxury. Between work, school, sports, activities, and social commitments, families are often pulled in multiple directions at once. I feel this, and with two kids in the hyper-busy years of 15 and 18, I know I’m not alone. Research and experience continue to show that shared meals—however informal or infrequent—offer powerful benefits for the entire family.
Family Dinners: A Natural Opportunity for Connection and Prevention
Family dinners offer us a regular opportunity to have those conversations in a natural setting. I do my best not to make them awkward—and oftentimes we are able to relate them to things happening in the community, on the news, or on our social media feeds. Some parents find it tough to talk about alcohol or risky behaviors. I assure you, though, when you DO decide to talk, your kids will be listening, even if their body language says otherwise.
Believe it or not, research shows that parents are the number one influence on our kids’ decisions to drink or not drink alcohol. Dinnertime is also a natural time for us to model responsible alcohol consumption if and when we choose to drink. A glass of wine or cocktail over a shared meal can set the stage for a discussion about alcohol—why laws and rules exist, making responsible choices, the consequences of over consumption, and what to do if anyone is ever in a situation where they need to find help to get home safely.
The Benefits of Family Dinners
Family dinners are more than a meal; they are a meaningful opportunity for connection, communication, and even prevention, particularly when it comes to underage drinking and sending the messages that help keep kids and teens alcohol-free. Family meals reinforce expectations and boundaries, and offer a chance to build the trust and safety kids need.
Underage drinking prevention is about knowing the facts ourselves, so we can talk about them confidently at home. Times have changed since I was a teen. Since 1991 the number of teens who report having ever consumed alcohol has dropped almost 60%! Underage drinking is absolutely, positively, not a rite of passage. Young people who feel supported, heard, and valued at home are more likely to make smarter choices. And the longer we can delay the onset of alcohol consumption, the lower the chances will be that our kids will develop an alcohol use disorder later in life.
Talking About Alcohol at Home
Talking about alcohol at home can be challenging, but it’s essential to have these conversations with our kids. We should discuss why we choose to drink, how to make responsible choices, and the consequences of over consumption. We should also talk about why we might choose not to drink, which opens up discussions about values, religious beliefs, or the existence of alcohol use disorders in your family.
Making Family Dinners a Priority
Making family dinners a priority can be as simple as setting aside time each day or week to eat together. It can be a formal, sit-down meal or a more casual, take-out-style dinner. The key is to make it a regular part of your family routine.
The Payoffs of Family Dinners
Family dinners are a powerful tool in preventing underage drinking and keeping kids alcohol-free. They offer a chance to connect, communicate, and reinforce expectations and boundaries. They provide a safe and supportive environment for kids to learn and grow. And they can help delay the onset of alcohol consumption, reducing the chances of developing an alcohol use disorder later in life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, family dinners are a powerful prevention strategy for keeping kids alcohol-free. By making shared meals a regular part of your family routine, you can have meaningful conversations with your kids about alcohol, model responsible behavior, and reinforce expectations and boundaries. Don’t wait until it’s too late – start making family dinners a priority today.
Additional Tips for Making Family Dinners a Success
- Make it a routine: Try to eat dinner together at the same time every day or week.
- Keep it simple: Don’t feel like you need to cook a complicated meal. Simple, take-out-style dinners can be just as effective.
- Involve your kids: Ask your kids to help with meal planning and preparation. This can be a fun and educational experience for them.
- Be present: Put away your phones and other distractions, and focus on the conversation with your kids.
- Be consistent: Stick to your routine, even on weekends and holidays. Consistency is key to making family dinners a success.
By following these tips and making family dinners a priority, you can help prevent underage drinking and keep your kids alcohol-free.
