Family Meal Time Game

"Sit down, use your fork, please eat your dinner, stop talking with your mouth full." Sound familiar? It's the general "conversation" happening at our dining room table too. We will get the occasional "how was your day," "tell me about school," etc.  It's been said that having a family dinner at least 5 times a week lowers a teens's chance of smoking, drinking, and using drugs.  So now that we've all made the effort to gather around the table, what should we talk about? Well besides what I mentioned above. Today my friend Martha shared with me a great article about unlocking they key to your child's heart.


There is always something new and interesting to learn about the people in our lives. Even if we think we know someone really well, there is still more to discover. That's the magic of being human. Our interests and thoughts are forever changing. Our kids are the same way, if not more so. They are growing and learning and experiencing life daily. And they have opinions and feelings about that (and questions). Some are better at sharing those feelings then others, but it's still all in there. In this article you can download thought provoking and interesting questions to ask your family members over dinner.

Through this process amazing things happen.
1. You get to know your child better
2. Shows you care about what is in their hearts and minds
3. Helps your child understand themselves better
4. Creates self awareness (in themselves, others, and the world)

Staying connected and in tune with your children gives us an edge on parenting. We're better able to address and recognize when a call to action or red flag is required. In addition, it builds their self esteem and sense of security. I think the earlier you start these kinds of activities the better. Set the tone in the household so all the members feel respected, loved, and important. It's these kinds of exercises that contribute to this goal. I made my "Key Jar" and can't wait to use it tonight.

The instructions and downloadable/printable questions are at the bottom of the article. All the spacing lines up on each page, so you can cut the whole stack at the same time (verses page by page). And again, here is the site: http://momastery.com/blog/2015/04/24/key-jar/

Good luck!
Thanks again for stopping by and here's to another day closer to a life in balance...
xo
Sloane