A Columbia University survey reveals that teenagers who regularly eat dinner with their families have a lower likelihood of developing substance abuse problems. They also tend to get better grades in school. That seems like a pretty easy way to improve performance in class!

Sadly, only half of American teenagers regularly have family dinnertime, which means a lot of young people are missing out on the benefits. Talking over the day's events is key teaching time for parents. A Harvard University study finds that family dinners help children develop their language skills too ("Family Dinner Linked to Better Grades for Teens," ABCnews.go.com, Sept. 13, 2005).