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Try this simple trick to get your kids talking at dinner
What do you talk about when you are at the dinner table?
My family talks about the day and usually how they don’t want to eat what’s on the table.
“How was your day?” — Fine
“What did you do today?” — Not much
“Can we have something else for dinner?” — No
I found a trick that helps them open up. Ask about something they felt or experienced during the day.
“What did you laugh at today?” — Jason was leaning back in his seat. Mrs. Dockin told him not to. Jason likes to bother Mrs. Dockin, so when she turned around he exaggerated leaning back in his chair. He fell over. The whole class laughed. Jason turned the darkest shade of red I’ve ever seen a face turn. I thought he might cry. Mrs. Dockin laughed too. I’m pretty sure he won’t be leaning back in his chair today.
We remember emotions. They move us. They mark the events in our life. I don’t ask about them enough, but I’ve noticed that when I do the stories and conversation are much richer.
Here a few questions to try out:
- What embarrassed you today?
- What made you mad?
- What made you smile?
