This is the fourth blog in a series exploring the benefits of eating meals together as a family.

A report from the University of Florida says that one of the real benefits of family meals is the opportunity for conversation, and is even associated with better nutritional quality. The report also reveals that eating together as a family is surprisingly associated with creating developmental assets for the family members and leads to fewer risky behaviors.

Simply put, eating together as a family could be a part of an effective strategy for preventing dangerous behaviors among youth. Take a look: