So parents of teenagers, how's it going for you? It can be a challenge at times, but can also be a great blessing. I know, I recently graduated from being the parent of three teens. Our youngest is now 21, so I have been there, done that. I am grateful that all of our kids are followers of Jesus, none got hooked on drugs or alcohol, and I am not an unexpected grandparent.
Now you may be asking, "what's the secret Paul?" Not sure I can give you a comprehensive answer, but I can share one thing that worked. My wife and I made it a priority to have dinner together as a family at least 4 nights a week, and we tried for 5 or 6 nights a week as much as possible. I have long been a believer in the benefits of this simple practice. Recently the latest study confirming this has been published by Columbia University's Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse. It found that teens who have dinner with their parents 3 or fewer times a week are 4 times more likely to smoke tobacco, twice as likely to drink alcohol, 2.5 times more likely to smoke pot, and 4 times as likely to say they will try drugs in the future as those who gather for dinner 5 to 7 times a week with their parents.
Give it a try, over time it will make a difference.
Blessings,
Dr. Paul
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