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In an effort to determine if sitting down for a family dinner really does have a positive psychological and emotional impact on children, a new study conducted by Boston University School of Social Work Assistant Professor Daniel P. Miller and researchers from Columbia and New York University finds that the tradition may not be as effective as previously thought.

"We find no relationship between family breakfasts or family dinners and any child outcomes -- reading, math and science scores, or behavior problems," says Miller.

In an attempt to scientifically back or disclaim popular wisdom about the benefits of family meal-time, researchers analyzed 21,400 children, ages five to 15, taking into account a plethora of factors such as socioeconomic status, academic achievement and behavior and family life.

The study also draws upon a national representative sample of children who entered kindergarten in 1998 and were tracked through eighth grade.

Ultimately, researchers found no significant correlation between family dinners and a child's behavior or academic success.

"We would never suggest that families should not eat meals together," Miller says, "the family meal table is an important place for parents and children to interact and communicate. However, it may be that the nature and extent of the influence of family dinners and breakfasts may be different than previously understood."

Researchers offer th explanation that perhaps families who engage in sit-down dinners engage in a host of other activities that cultivate family time and bring members of said family closer together. Previous research has shown that a tight and effective support system does wonders for a child's developmental success.

The study which I set to appear in next months issue of the journal Child Development, is part of growing body of research that attempts to analyze the true effects, if any do family meals have on child rearing. While this current study suggests a child can still 'act out' or have low test scores despite partaking in family dinners, more research is needed to determine if perhaps it effects other factors