Submitted by Lopez Island Prevention Coalition

On the fourth Monday of this month, families across America are standing up for sitting down; for family time, conversation and a meal together. September 24th, also known as Family Day, will bring families across the country together to celebrate the positive influence parents have on their kids. What started in 2001 as a grassroots initiative has grown into a national effort to teach parents about the importance of connecting with their kids throughout the day and to realize family dinner is an effective way to reduce youth substance abuse and other risky behaviors. While every family may be different, research confirms the benefits of frequent family dinners and those children who eat dinner with their families are more likely to make healthy choices.

Research shows kids who have conversations with their parents about the dangers of alcohol and drug use are 50% less likely to use alcohol and drugs than those who don’t. Substance use and addiction can strike any family – regardless of ethnicity, affluence, age or gender. But parental engagement can be a simple and effective tool to help prevent substance use and addiction in kids. As children age, it is important for parents to keep the lines of communication open, especially as their kids begin feeling increased pressure to start engaging in risky behavior including smoking, drinking or using other drugs. The earlier conversations begin, and kids get used to talking to their parents about what is going on in their lives, the easier it will be when they are teens. Family Day aims to spread the message that parents have the greatest power to influence their children — even during their teenage years.

So on Monday, Sept. 24, make a stand for sitting down and eating dinner as a family.