For several years I have been hearing reports that describe a strong correlation between regularly sitting down as a family for dinner, and all sorts of positive benefits for the kids (like better health, self esteem, lower drug use, etc). Just for the record, I have nothing against having dinner as a family, and in fact I like it, and we generally do just that in our home.
What bothers me is that I hear again and again the assertion that having the dinner together as a family creates better, healthier kids. I have never seen a study that claims this -- though I would certainly welcome it. Most studies that I have seen show clear correlation, but not causality. Correlation does not imply causation, no matter how much you want it to. Nor does it refute it. Correlation just doesn't say anything at all, other than, well, that the two things are correlated to some degree.
This misconception has been a pet peeve of mine for a while, and I'm happy to hear a report that takes a reasonable view. This morning I heard a report on the family dinner on NPR, and as it began, I braced myself against hearing the same claim with no evidence. But surprise -- the reporter knew her stuff! What was refreshing to me about this report is that it explored the question of causality. So far it seems, there is no clear evidence demonstrating that family dinners cause better kids. Most people seem to believe so, and want to find clear evidence of this. That's great -- but we can't yet claim that changing this behavior will result in the desired outcomes. Anyone making this claim is either guessing or doesn't get how science works.
What bothers me is that I hear again and again the assertion that having the dinner together as a family creates better, healthier kids. I have never seen a study that claims this -- though I would certainly welcome it. Most studies that I have seen show clear correlation, but not causality. Correlation does not imply causation, no matter how much you want it to. Nor does it refute it. Correlation just doesn't say anything at all, other than, well, that the two things are correlated to some degree.
This misconception has been a pet peeve of mine for a while, and I'm happy to hear a report that takes a reasonable view. This morning I heard a report on the family dinner on NPR, and as it began, I braced myself against hearing the same claim with no evidence. But surprise -- the reporter knew her stuff! What was refreshing to me about this report is that it explored the question of causality. So far it seems, there is no clear evidence demonstrating that family dinners cause better kids. Most people seem to believe so, and want to find clear evidence of this. That's great -- but we can't yet claim that changing this behavior will result in the desired outcomes. Anyone making this claim is either guessing or doesn't get how science works.
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