Several Spring Branch families joined with volunteers from the Greater Houston Prevention Partnership on Sept. 28 for a Family Day dinner at a local church to highlight the importance of families taking time to dine together daily.
Although the idea of families eating together several times a week is a simple concept, many families no longer find the time to do this. As a reminder, The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University has created Family Day Dinner to promote communication within families.
Studies conducted by CASA have linked regular family dinners to reduced substance abuse, among other benefits.
On Sept. 28, more than 50 area families enjoyed an enchilada dinner, door prizes and conversation with family and friends at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Spring Branch. Event speaker was Maria Corrales, a Channel 45 Univision reporter who shared her own experiences with family dinners.
During the special dinner, families were each given a pack of cards with conversation-sparking questions, such as “If you had three wishes, what would they be?” and “What is the most important thing in your life?”
Dr. Sandy Olson, executive director of the Coalition of Behavioral Health Services/Partnership for a Drug-free Spring Branch said that many parents are concerned about their children’s friends and activities.
“When you share meals together, you have an opportunity to get to know your children better, and they get to know you,” she said. Planning is under way for the next Spring Branch Family Dinner.