Between rushing the kids out the door to school and shuttling them to and from soccer practice, is it hard to find time to really connect with your children? If you find the day gets eaten up with other commitments and you just don't spend enough time talking (really talking) to your family, then try making it a priority at dinnertime. When everyone is gathered round the table, it's the perfect opportunity to talk and to share a laugh or two as a family.
Parenting expert Kathy Lynn shares her tips for creating engaging dinner table talk.
Make it special
"Actually set the table and sit down," says Lynn. "Ambience counts. Use placemats or tablecloths and on Sundays or special occasions, use candles (on a separate side table if the kids are little) or flowers."
Turn off the technology
During dinnertime, the television and all cellphones should be turned off, says Lynn. And don't answer the landline, either. "The message is that you are eating and don't want to be disturbed. Voice mail can pick up any messages," she stresses. Let your family know that dinnertime is a time to communicate with each other, not with friends or colleagues who may be calling.
Equal opportunity
"This is not the time to chat with your spouse," says Lynn. "Remember, all the people at the table, from the youngest to the oldest, deserve to be included in any conversation."
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