Mealtime Conversations

Meaningful conversation during family mealtime is more important for your children than you may think. The following are some of the benefits:

  • Children do better in school. They have better grades and fewer behavior problems. 
  • They learn how to relate and communicate, so social skills are improved.
  • Since mealtime encourages children to think and verbally communicate, their language is enriched and enhanced. Family conversation expands their vocabulary which even improves their reading ability.  
  • These opportunities to talk build relationships which strengthen the family.
  • Children tend to be happier and better adjusted when they can chat with parents. They are less depressed and can better cope with the stresses of adolescence. Close parental ties reduce the risk for drugs and alcohol. 
  •  Health and nutrition are improved with well balanced meals. Sharing thoughts and emotions at the dinner table reduce eating disorders and obesity.

Turn off the T.V., put the cell phones away, and put computer time on hold. Agree to be respectful listeners when someone else is talking. Allow conflicting opinions , but not arguments or “put downs.” Respect and value each person’s input.

You can create topics together; write them on a piece of paper and randomly choose one to discuss each night.  Food for Talk is a box of 200 fun, thought-provoking mealtime conversation starters. Below are two other links for conversation starters that you can print out for free. There are also links to more articles on this subject. Begin today to have happy, healthy and fun mealtimes together.

Food for Talk        Conversation Starters       More Conversation Starters

Forever Families  Positive Choices  Eat Smart  Meals Matter  Better Grades  Family Meals

About Tamara Lewis

I'm in my 65th year of discovering how to have a Vibrant Life - 37 of those years have been teaching elementary school children. I love to travel - I've been across mainland U.S., in Hawaii, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia and Canada. R.V. camping is one of my favorite ways to travel. I also enjoy reading, writing and spending time with friends and family. I'm a small group leader for Bible Study Fellowship and enjoy attending Buena Park Christian Fellowship. Most of these posts are a result of a lot of reading, listening, thought and experience.
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