Texting at the Table
- Making sure that family dinners are family time well spent together.
In a world of technology, it may seem hard to unplug for a family dinner. Kids may be hooked on texting with friends or playing Fortnite on their phones — and we adults may be just as guilty, tied as we are to work calls and texts. So how do you make sure everyone unplugs and plugs into family time together? We have a few suggestions!
NO PHONE ZONE
Sometimes the easiest way is making the table a no phone zone. Turn them off, leave them in another room completely, or have everyone set them in a basket as they come to the table.
MAKE IT A GAME
First person who looks at their phone needs to clear the table after dinner. . .or better yet, do the dishes!
MAKE IT A FAMILY AFFAIR
The more involved everyone is, the more they forget about their phone. Make dinner a family affair from start to finish. Encourage the kids to help prepare dinner, set the table and spend time together before and after.
SET THE STANDARD
Remember, we adults may be just as (or more!) guilty than the kids. Our kids look at us and do as they see, not as we say. Showing them a balance between family time and screen time can help them see there is more life than being glued to our phones.