As a newly working Mom, I am really beginning to realize the importance of conversation at the family dinner table. After a long day of being away from my children and my husband and with only a few short hours before bedtime, dinner is the perfect time to grow closer and connect.
Cameron is at an age now where he is telling stories about his day whenever he stops to talk. Each time he starts a tale, I can’t help but smile as I learn about what he did and what he thought and what he felt that day. By glimpsing into this beautiful part of him, I’m discovering so much about my little boy as I watch his language develop.
I had another chat with Rebecca from Playground Confidential and Buzz from Dad Camp on the McCain All Good Blog about how parents can encourage this kind of fun and development over food. Together we came up with some great ideas and some hilarious stories (including how my toddler was convinced I was trying to feed him paper once). I would love for you to check it out!
What tips do you have to get your family talking around the dinner table?
I was compensated for this chat and the resulting online activity. All stories and words are true to me and my family.
There are no electronics allowed at the table. Or books. Or magazines. Or other distractions. Talking is encouraged but not forced (I usually try to have a theme). Language development is one of my favorite things to witness. When Z said to me recently not to thwart him, I had to let him go ahead and lick his sister’s hair. Because who am I to deny a three year old using thwart?
Arnebya recently posted..If You Loved Me, You’d Buy Me a Groupon for a Cleaning Service
Thwart is the most awesome of words from a three year old.
Laura O’Rourke recently posted..Dinner Talk
For us, it is the time before and after dinner when we engage the most with our toddler. The key point is to find the time to have conversations every day. I can’t wait for my son to tell us about his day – he talks but he doesn’t have reached that level yet.
Kim Vallée recently posted..Want a Unique iPhone Case? Draw It with a Krillz Set
Yes, you are absolutely right. You’re going to love it when your little one gets to the story-telling age. So cool to watch their minds work in that way!
Laura O’Rourke recently posted..Dinner Talk
My husband and I catch up on each other’s days over dinner, so I can’t wait til my boys jump in!
Alison recently posted..Memories Captured: We’re Back!
You are going to LOVE it when those conversations start! I just know it. :)
Laura O’Rourke recently posted..Dinner Talk
We take turns telling all the things we did that day. Each person starts from waking up until suppertime. Our littlest 2.5 year old is the most entertaining of course, because her perspective on things can sometimes be quite different than ours. I find this really gets us talking more and catching up.
Kate recently posted..8 Eco-friendly Beach Day Tips
Don’t you just LOVE their perspective? It gives us adults a whole new way to approach the world! It just amazes me.
Laura O’Rourke recently posted..Dinner Talk
Your kid is SO cute! Off to read about the paper.
Lady Jennie recently posted..Life in the Trenches – Chapter 23
I like to put little “appetizers” out on the table before dinner, you know, like carrot sticks to dip in hummus or cheese cubes. The hardest part for me is getting K to STAY at the table during dinner. It’s not really her thing… ;)
I love sitting at the table and chatting. It’s just too bad Donut walks away after about 5 minutes!
Rach (DonutsMama) recently posted..What Do I Know About Boys?