Every year on the last Monday in September, the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse works with organizations across the country to celebrate the positive influence parents have on their kids. Family Day is a national effort to promote family dinners as an effective way to reduce youth substance use and other risky behaviors. Research at Columbia University consistently found that the more often children eat dinner with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink, or use illegal drugs.

This year, Family Day is celebrated on Monday, Sept. 25. However, every day can be family day. By engaging in simple activities, like sharing a meal, playing a game, or even asking children about their day, parents can make a difference in the life of their children. These everyday activities can create strong, healthy relationships that can prevent youth drug use. Why is it so important to act early? If your kids aren’t used to talking to you about their day when they are 8 or 10, it’s harder to start at 12 to 14.

For more information, or to download a parent toolkit, including ideas on family activities or recipes, visit https://www.casafamilyday.org/. This Sept. 25, spend time with the original social network – your family at the dinner table, and make a difference in the life of your children.

Information thanks to Drug Free Osage County.