How to Have Great Conversation at Family Dinners

After a hectic day, it's nice to sit down to a nice dinner with your family. Unfortunately, conversations during dinnertime can be strained. Kids don't know what to say to their parents, and parents don't know what to say to their kids. Everyone eats in silence, but it doesn't have to be this way. Here are some ways to have a great conversation during your family dinner.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Begin the conversation before dinner begins. Opening up the lines of communication while cooking or setting the table makes these chores more enjoyable. Doing things together is the first step in great conversations within the family, not just at the dinner table.

2. Take the initiative. Children may be a little tight-lipped about sharing any aspect of their day. Ask about the books they read or the movies they watched. Tell them about the best part of your day, and then encourage your spouse and children to do the same.

3. Keep things positive. Although it may be tempting to bring up family problems at the dinner table, try to resist this urge. Family dinners should be pleasant and relaxing.

4. Share childhood memories. Kids love to hear about the crazy things their parents did when they were children. They are often stories that will result in a lot of laughter around the table.

5. Talk about the next day's dinner. Dinner today is a good time to determine what everyone would like for dinner tomorrow. It allows everyone to have input, even if they don't always get their way.

Tips & Warnings

• Turn off the television. TV distracts family members from the conversation. The time the family could be using to bond through conversation is being wasted on television.