According to a recent study from NCASA, kids who regularly share meals with their parents are healthier, happier, and better students. One of the main reasons is because of the important conversation time that doesn’t usually happen between the activites, traveling, school, work, etc.

Here are some tips to create healthy communication around the dinner table:

• Create an open environment: Let kids know they can discuss anything with Mom or Dad. Never label a question as irrelevant or stupid, this will turn them off from saying anything at all. Encourage discussions the whole family, no matter age, can get involved in.
• Communicate your values: Every discussion with your child is an opportunity to model your values and faith. Explain your opinions rather than just expressing them-but avoid lecturing. Help the children see God in every part of our lives.
• Listen: Help your kids feel confident that you are truly listening by summarizing what they tell you or asking questions to clarify. Good listening skills build trust.
• Have patience: Kids are often lengthy storytellers. Don’t zone out or start to do something else while saying you are “listening”. They can see right through it. Make eye contact to let the child know they have your full attention.

I will be giving ideas on actual discussions to have around the table soon…until then have dinner with your family and talk to them.  Watch how you grow together.