Gathering together as a family for at least one meal a day is very important in our house. We make it a priority to spend that time together. It brings us together as a family to share our day and I think overall it strengthens our family.
We live in a society that is so busy, going here there and everywhere and this pulls the family in so many different directions, but meal time can be a way to bring everyone together.
My friend Jen recently shared about how her family makes meal time memorable and fun by using conversation starters. And she not only shared what her family does, she shared a set of conversation starters that she uses with her family. And did I mention that she is offering these conversation starters for free!
Since family dinners are very important in our family, I love Jen’s idea of conversation starters to make meals fun and memorable. These conversation starters are a perfect way to prompt conversations you might not normally have.
I printed these out last week and my daughter helped me cut them out and put them into a jar. We have used these several nights now and my kids love them and I love the wide range of subjects that they cover.
So far we have talked about our favorite smell, which was a fun subject and led to talking about our least favorite smell. And then last night we talked about what we do when we are having a bad day, which was a perfect way to talk to our kids about how you react and deal with certain situations.
If you are looking for a last minute gift idea these conversation starters would be perfect. Simply print them out and buy a decorative jar or container to put them in, and you will have a unique and useful gift to give.
Thank you Jen!
Oh, how I love this idea!! Thanks so much for sharing this, and thanks to Jen!! I am going to make this jar this week for us and several more to give away!
I have been fighting against the technology to keep our family time, but it has been a loosing battle. Just this week, I have put “no technology” times into play during the evening. My kids are fighting it a bit, but I hope they will see the value in it soon.
A long time ago, our family instituted a “special plate” night. I bought a cheap plate at Target that is fun. When we set the table, the special person for the night has the plate in front of the spot at the table. We made up a silly song to sing to the person, and the person is told something positive or that we appreciate about them. I started it after reading about it in a Family Fun issue. And after getting sick of the incessant fighting between my kids, I decided to try it.
The first time we used it, I gave it to my daughter first. My son was not happy with her at the time and had been particularly angry at her that day. He gulped and said “I like your orange shirt.” After using it a few times, it did help them to see something positive in each other.
We haven’t had it out in a little bit, and I think I will pull it out tonight for someone. 🙂 It’s particularly nice when one of the kids comes to me and says, “I think it’s a special plate night. I want to give it to –.” Love that!
What a fun idea! I love it. I can see how that would help kids bond on days/times when they are not getting along. Thanks for sharing what your family does to make meal time special.