Bakersfield- On Monday, the Kern County Mental Dealth Department kicked off family dinners make a difference week.They are urging families to have frequent family meals together.
In today's hectic society with technology ringing heavy in our lives , one busy Bakersfield father slows it down for a traditional dinner.
"Dinners have always been very important to us. As we come together, that's a time where we get to talk. We all pause. Kids get off the computers and video games," said Ed Tomlinson.
Ed owns California Keyboards and is a father of five kids with very different schedules.
"I have gymnastics with one. I have a son in law school. I have a professional drummer," said Tomlinson.
Despite their hectic schedule, the Tomlinson's make it a priority to come together for a few minutes.
"Just like how you have to set aside date nights for the wife to keep that relationship going, I think it's important for families to come together even if it's just for lunch. Because before you know it, the kids will be gone and that time is wasted and you can't get that back," said Tomlinson.
This week, the Kern County Mental Health Department is urging families to sit down, eat together and leave the electronics behind.
"Really engaging your children in conversations, helps you understand what goes on in their day. That is a time that they can talk to you openly and have 100% of your time and your attention," said Adriene Buckle, Supervisor of Prevention Services for Kern County Mental Health.
The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University finds teens who have fewer than three family dinners per week are almost four times likelier to use tobacco; more than twice as likely to use alcohol and two-and-a-half times likelier to use marijuana.
More than 70 grocery stores in the county are participating in this week-long event including most Albertson's, Vons and Vallarta.
Customers can pick up recyclable grocery bags containing recipes and more information on keeping kids and teens drug free.
In today's hectic society with technology ringing heavy in our lives , one busy Bakersfield father slows it down for a traditional dinner.
"Dinners have always been very important to us. As we come together, that's a time where we get to talk. We all pause. Kids get off the computers and video games," said Ed Tomlinson.
Ed owns California Keyboards and is a father of five kids with very different schedules.
"I have gymnastics with one. I have a son in law school. I have a professional drummer," said Tomlinson.
Despite their hectic schedule, the Tomlinson's make it a priority to come together for a few minutes.
"Just like how you have to set aside date nights for the wife to keep that relationship going, I think it's important for families to come together even if it's just for lunch. Because before you know it, the kids will be gone and that time is wasted and you can't get that back," said Tomlinson.
This week, the Kern County Mental Health Department is urging families to sit down, eat together and leave the electronics behind.
"Really engaging your children in conversations, helps you understand what goes on in their day. That is a time that they can talk to you openly and have 100% of your time and your attention," said Adriene Buckle, Supervisor of Prevention Services for Kern County Mental Health.
The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University finds teens who have fewer than three family dinners per week are almost four times likelier to use tobacco; more than twice as likely to use alcohol and two-and-a-half times likelier to use marijuana.
More than 70 grocery stores in the county are participating in this week-long event including most Albertson's, Vons and Vallarta.
Customers can pick up recyclable grocery bags containing recipes and more information on keeping kids and teens drug free.