What is Family Day?

Family Day began in 2001 to recognize that in today’s fast-paced world, sitting down at the dinner table together is more a rarity than a ritual to take for granted. It is a day to eat dinner with your family and a reminder that dining together should not be a luxury, but part of being a healthy family.

Why was it created?

Research by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University consistently found that the more often kids eat dinner with their families; the less likely they are to smoke, drink, use drugs or engage in other unhealthy behaviors.

Who else is in support of this day?

The lead supporter is The Erie County Council for the Prevention of Alcohol and Substance Abuse (ECCPASA). Also Preventionfocus, the City of Buffalo, local school districts, community and faith based coalitions all strongly encourage the celebration of this day and the continuation of efforts to bring the family together for dinner. Serving as media spokespersons for Family Day are former first lady, Barbara Bush and actress, Jamie Lee Curtis.

How can you make every day Family Day?

• Start the habit of family dinners when your children are young.
  
• Encourage your children to suggest menus and help in meal preparation, since there is more opportunity to talk.
  
• Turn off the TV and phones during mealtimes.
  
• Talk about what happened in everyone’s day and in the world – school, work, sports, hobbies, current events.
  
• Establish a routine for starting and ending meals: Light candles, say grace, tell stories.
  
• After dinner, play a quick board game or serve dessert to encourage more conversation.
  
• Keep the conversation positive and give everybody a chance to contribute.

What else do you need to know?

CASA is introducing a major call to action by asking parents across the country to sign the Family Day STAR pledge, pledging their commitment to have dinner with their children. The pledge is:
S - Spend time with your kids by having dinner together.
T - Talk to your kids about their friends, interests and the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
A - Answer their questions and listen to what they say.
R - Recognize that you have the power to keep your kids substance-free.

For more information about how you can celebrate Family Day or to make the STAR pledge, visit www.CASAFamilyDay.org.