With so many families living hectic lives, on
conflicting schedules, it's difficult to find the time to sit down and have
meaningful conversation. Coming together as a family at the end of the day
allows families to discuss the day's events, catch up on each other's lives,
bring up possible issues with school and work and enjoy the company of family
members. Family dinner conversations can give family members a great deal of
insight into relationships, personalities and general family dynamics.
Compile
Some Conversation Starters
Most conversation among family members comes
naturally. But there are times when you might need a bit of prompting. Creating
conversation starters helps dialogue begin and continue smoothly.
Designate a weekend to create, as a family, a
conversation starter box. Purchase an index card file box and index cards. Give
each family member a few cards and have them write down some conversation topic
ideas. Young children can draw pictures or have adults help with spelling and
writing. Decorate the outside of the box with stickers, rhinestone, glitter,
etc.
Conversation
Starter Subject Ideas
It's always interesting to know how other people see
you. A good way to do this is through reverse role play. Pick a family member
and switch roles. Moms and dads will gain insight into how their children view
them and the same will be true for the children. Just be sure to refrain from
excessive teasing. You're going for an atmosphere of good-natured ribbing and fun.
Some other fun conversation starters to choose might be:
- What famous athlete would you like to be?
- If you could change one rule at school, work or
home, what would it be?
-
If you could be any age, what age would you be?
Taking
Turns Can Be Fun
To avoid the problem of everyone trying to talk at
the same time, members should take turns. A fun way to do this is by using a
hat, talking stick or other unique item that shows whose turn it is. To make it
more interesting, decorate the hat or talking stick together. For example, you
can use pins, patches or fish hooks for hats. And decorate sticks with
feathers, leather cord and bells.
Some
Additional Tips
Creating the right atmosphere at dinner time is
important and will be conducive to family conversation. Turning off cell
phones, televisions and other electronic equipment eliminates distractions and
allows family members to concentrate on conversation.
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