PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Research shows that regular family meals make a difference in the children’s well being – developing vocabulary and empathy, avoiding teenage problems (like eating disorders, substance abuse, teen pregnancy and depression) and supporting higher achievement, resilience and self-esteem.

With the family dinner project, families come together – in person and online – to share experiences and insights, to help each other realize the benefits of being together and revitalizing the family dinner for today’s busy families.

The project started with 15 diverse families in the Boston area who changed their dinner habits over a 4 month period and reported positive impact on their families — resolving conflicting schedules and family disagreements, engaging everyone in fun and meaningful conversation as well as in preparing meals.

The project is now expanding to community organizations, schools, faith communities, and social networks. Visit TheFamilyDinnerProject.org for tools, tips and ways to get involved in improving the frequency and quality of mealtime interaction.

Reported By Dr. Marciene Mattleman, KYW Newsradio