What brings your family back to reality of face-to-face conversation better than the dining table?   Sure, you know it, but how often do you do it?  Takes planning, buying, time cooking and (my favorite) trying to please everyone at the table.   You’ve got to make it look good for them to eat it.  Some foods like Brussel Sprouts, have no chance at all.

In 1920, a poor German sugar-factory worker began to develop gummy goo that makes up Haribo’s gelatin candy.  But the stuff didn’t take off till they got creative and shaped the goo into teddybears.  If that’s what it takes to make a kid eat candy, how important is it to make nutritious food attractive?

Moms and dads know the importance of creative marketing.  From cutting sandwiches into cookie shapes to finger flick football, engage!!   The dining room table has a bigger take away than nutrition;   engage them in conversation.

Questions like:  “How was your day,” usually get a one-word conversation-ending response.    Same with “did you do your homework?”   Unless you’re creative, you may loose your kids.   Try and cut up your questions in the shape of interesting things like ‘gummy bears or gummy worms’ for kids to take the bait:

“What was the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you in school?  (get ready to supply them with your answer, ‘cause it will come back to you)   Or, “If you were a car – what kind would you be?” or, “If you could rename yourself, what name would you choose?”

Stupid questions?  Sure.  But remember, you told them there is no such thing as a stupid question.  And being a fool is usually ‘family friendly’ activity. When you have  brothers or sisters, there is no such thing as the ‘last laugh.’   You almost always have another chance.

Rule that the dinner table is a ‘no screen’ zone and then make time to engage in creative conversation with your family.  Don’t waste precious table time arguing or fussing when you could be getting to know those who will be sitting at their own tables with their own kids, way too soon!

AWE – Adventure With Engagement!

Dawn