Putting conversation on the table.
Reclaiming mealtimes as a moment of connection.
I am a big advocate for device-free family meals around the dinner table.
Every family’s schedule and rhythm looks slightly different; but as DADS™ I encourage us to make meals together a priority. These moments offer us the opportunity to model connection, practice communication, and build the skills of empathy and critical thinking in our children.
A missed meal is often a missed opportunity to check in, to observe, and grow together.
If you’re out of the habit of eating together, or devices have crept into your families tradition, these 9 conversation starters are here to help you bring the conversation — and connection — back to the table.
1. Who did you help today, and how?
2. What’s something you learned or improved at today?
3. What are you struggling with, and how can we help?
4. How did you make the world a better place today?
5. Where did you fail today — and what did it teach you?
6. Where did you succeed today — and what helped you succeed?
7. What was the high point and low point of your day?
8. Which goal did you make progress on today?
9. What do you need from your family right now?
I really hope these conversation starters help you raise present, resilient and happy children — one meal, one conversation, one connection at a time.
From my home,
Matthew
Founder, DADS™— Dads Against Devices™
Our pledge.
I will lead my family — by example and instruction — to be present, build relationships, strengthen the body, and nurture the attributes of love, communication, empathy, kindness, gratitude, humility, forgiveness, critical thinking, imagination, discipline, patience, integrity, resilience, courage, wisdom, and faith. To protect my family, I will not allow social media or unlimited, unmonitored, and unrestricted access to screens, gaming, or the internet in my home, nor will I provide personal smartphones to my children until they demonstrate the maturity to use them responsibly.