Family meals are the perfect time to talk to your kids and to listen to what's on their minds. Statistics say that the more often kids eat dinner with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink or use drugs.

Joseph A. Califano Jr., had two really good ideas: one was the founding of the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) (funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation) and the second, was having one night a year when families would eat together and discuss the problems facing their children regarding pressure to use drugs. He started this in 2001 and called it Family Day. Family Day is Monday, Sept. 28.

Moore County will participate in this event by broadcasting this opportunity to parents, family members, and surrogates who love and care for their kids and want to open up good communication. They know it is important to be informed themselves and to be able to discuss frankly the many risks involved.

Families are the first defense against drug use, because the home is where they get their deepest values.

But it could be said that many parents simply don't know how to talk to their kids about the risks of tobacco, drugs and alcohol, and the best ways to offer protection.

Often my colleagues and I are asked, "What can you tell me to help me prepare my kid for the day when there is pressure to try illegal drugs or alcohol?"

Our community drug problems are not going to be solved in the court house or the state assembly. Our police officers can only do so much. The best opportunity we have to impact our youngsters is to talk with them openly and honestly at the dining table and in our kitchens.

Visiting the Web site: drugfreemc.com for more information.

Emily Nicholson is the Moore County prevention consultant, Alcohol and Drug Services, Inc., and member of Drug Free Moore County.