In 1998, the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University published the first of several studies that found that frequent family meals led to a lower risk of drug use as well as fewer depressed thoughts and better grades in adolescents. The findings sent working parents into a panic, because, between work, school, soccer and ballet, who has time for a sit-down family dinner every night? And are you really damaging your kids by skipping them? Probably not, according to New York Times reporter Lisa Belkin, who interviewed Dr. Harold Koplewicz, director of the New York University Child Study Center, for a June 14 article. Koplewicz emphasizes the importance of quality time with your kids, whether or not that bonding occurs around the dinner table. Over 1200 iVillage moms have already weighed in on this hot topic, with the majority saying they have dinner as a family most nights. Is the same true at your house? Join the discussion! Then read on to discover ways to reconnect with your kids -- over dinner and beyond.
Check out these 40 mom-tested tips for balancing it all >>
We Are Family:
• Create Easy and Fun Rituals• Your Kids Want to Talk: Listen
• Basic Bonding Ideas
• Banish Mealtime Blues
• Cook Only Once a Month
• Go Green with Your Kids
Connections and Support:
• Take a Load Off
• My Mom Worked, and I'm OK
• Juggle Work and Family
• Dinner Table Memories
