Conversation at the Dinner Table can be Creative!

Dinner time is very important to families. It is a time to reconnect and share the days trials and triumphs. The family dinner table is always a good place to practice learning how to be comfortable with conversation at the table.

Conversation helps with the pace of the dinner too. So many times, I hear about families that rush to eat and the dinner is over. One suggestion is that one person thinks up a topic and each member of the family adds an idea or comment. It could be about sports, TV shows, a new friend, a book or a current event. In the beginning it may feel awkward but with practice. the conversation will flow and everyone will benefit from the closeness conversation can create.

Remember to Mind your Manners at the table!!!

Holly Beth Moncher

Cut and Eat, that's the Right Way!

When you are having a meal with your family it is a good time to make some improvement and suggestions on dining manners. A comment made in general, as to not embarrass anyone, is a good way to begin to make some changes. Cutting up food is a tricky thing to do for most young children. However, I caution parents not to cut up the food all at once so there is a big mound of food in front of a child. Food should be eaten as it is cut and even young children can learn to do this for themselves. A big mound of meat, vegetables or even pancakes can feel overwhelming and then a child won't even attempt to eat their meal. Small portions, utensils that fit small hands, the TV off and the family together will make dinner time a pleasant occasion.