It seems as though everyone is busy these days with little time to sit down for a meal. However, eating as a family is important. Having meals together and dinnertime conversations help keep lines of communication open between everyone and helps to keep your family bond strong.
Keep dinnertime conversations flowing
- Ask open-ended questions. Ask questions like, “Tell me about what you did at recess today,” instead of questions like, “How was your day today?” Open-ended questions get conversations started. Once your child starts talking, you are likely to get into conversations about other subjects and topics more easily.
- Don’t interrupt. Be patient and attentive while your child is answering questions. Avoid interrupting, as this may discourage the flow of his or her thoughts and stifle further conversation.
- Reflect back. Use comments like, “It sounds like you had a lot of fun today,” or, “That sounds like that made you really upset.” These types of responses let your child know that you heard what was being said and you are paying attention and connecting with him or her during the conversation.
- Share your opinion, but don’t lecture. Lecturing tones can make mealtime conversation tense, and your child may stop conversing with you at mealtime and altogether on a specific topic.
- Be prepared. Have a list of questions and conversation starters written down on a piece of paper, and ask a couple of them at dinner each night. Choose from different subject areas. Allow your child to ask you questions as well.
- Share family memories and stories. Reminisce about good memories. This always gets the whole family laughing and smiling. Be sure the shared memory doesn’t embarrass any of the family members involved in the story. No one likes to be made fun of or embarrassed.
- Get rid of distractions. Turn off the TV, and leave your cell phones in a different room.
- Don’t force children to talk. It is common for children to not want to talk some days. Everyone has days like this. Don’t pry or push your child to talk. If you feel there is something going on that you need to learn more about, save that for a private conversation at a later time.
Enjoy your time together
Help your family have time to enjoy and know each other better. Meals are a great time for family connection and dinnertime conversations. These tips can help your family get to know each other better. If dinnertime doesn’t work, try breakfast. Whatever works for your family is what is best for you.
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Posted In Children's, Parenting
