Strong bond between children and their families.
Here is how you can take action:
– Have family dinners.
- “The magic of the family dinner comes not from the food on the plate but from who’s at the table and what’s happening there.”
- Teens who have infrequent family dinners are:
– More than one and a half times likelier to have friends who drink, abuse prescription drugs, and use Meth.- Among 12- and 13-year olds, those who have infrequent family dinners are six times likelier to use marijuana, four times likelier to use tobacco, and three times likelier to use alcohol.
- Frequent family dinners also improves teen performance in school.
– Set clear limits/rules and enforcement of rules consistently.
– Have open positive communication channels.
– Spend time playing and interacting with your child.
– Get to know your child’s friends.
– Be a positive role model for your child.
– Actively help your child succeed in school.
– Have them volunteer in the community.
– Make them feel safe at home.