What is the secret recipe to maintaining a healthy and happy family?

Research has shown that having a couple of family dinners a week can improve the overall state of a family, the LA Times reported.

With technologies such as the Internet, video games, television and iPods, it’s difficult to get together and spend some time with your family. But what if it can improve your health and character and also your children’s?

"Many families use dinnertime to discuss events of the day and plans for the future," said Mary Bacerra, director of Health Education and Promotion at Cal State Fullerton. Bacerra believes that families can "catch up" with each other during the family dinner. She recommends at least two family dinners a week.

At CSUF, organizations like the Women's Center and the Health Education Center promote and encourage family dinners. It is time dedicated to the family without any interruptions such as cell phones, television or similar items, Bacerra added.

Studies by the National Center of Addiction and Substance Abuse have shown that teens who have more family dinners are less likely to do drugs, smoke and drink, and more likely to have better grades, attend religious services and have good relationships with their parents, the LA Times reported.

Kim Ossman, 28, a psychology major, believes that the teen years are important in maintaining the family together. Ossman is in the master’s program for social work at CSUF. "Kids always need their parents, especially during adolescence," Ossman said. It's hard going through adolescence for many kids, but if the parents establish family time early, kids can feel supported by the parents and are more likely to feel like they can talk to their parents.

"It's important to start early because starting in the teen years might be too late," Ossman suggested. Some teens might experiment with adult issues earlier than others, so beginning family dinners during the teen years might be tougher for older kids.

"There is also a nutritional aspect to having family dinners," said Melissa Genisavski, 23, an English major at UC Riverside, who is attending the social worker masters program at CSUF. Genisavski added that with all the bad foods being consumed by families these days, staying home is preferable.

Bacerra agrees that family meals cooked at home are usually healthier than eating out or at a fast food restaurant. The meals prepared at home can include veggies and nutritional foods, Bacerra added.

"Schedules are busy with school, work, sports and other after school activities, dedicating time to family can be difficult, but once integrated, some families find it is often a night of the week to look forward to," Bacerra said.

Let's face it, being a parent is a huge job and being a teen is tough, but getting together at least four to five times a week for a family dinner can be the easiest way to get through hard times.