What To Talk About At Mealtimes
March 3, 2008
Did You Know.....Kids bring up an average of six different topics per meal.
So let's do the math: If that's six different topics from each child, and who knows how many from the poor adults who are trying to get a word in edgewise, could there possibly be any "correct" topic for family meals?
One of the pleasures of getting together is having freewheeling, lively discussions. I have one friend who's a political junkie. Dinner at her house is likely to include a description of which presidential hopeful is suffering from the latest political misfortune. Another friend loves to think about family vacations. Supper with her brood often involves reports on research for trips that might still be months away.
The family pet, the kids' activities, news of your special interest group or subgroup, hopes for the future, memories of the past – the topics are as varied as the families around the nation's tables. Keep it light or bring in a serious note. Mix it up. Enjoy the interplay. As long as the mood is positive and respectful, and everyone gets a chance to be heard, you are doing just the right thing.
Mealtimes Matter Video
from Miriam Weinstein
About Miriam
Miriam Weinstein is an award-winning documentary filmmaker. As a journalist, she has won several awards from the New England Press Association. Her work has appeared in Boston Magazine, the Boston Globe magazine, Hope, and ParentSource. A former staff member for North Shore Weeklies and freelancer for Essex County Newspapers, she writes restaurant reviews and food columns as well as features on a wide variety of subjects. She lives in Gloucester, Massachusetts, with her husband and has two grown children.
The Surprising Power of Family Meals
In her book, The Surprising Power of Family Meals, Miriam Weinstein shows how this basic human institution helps nourish and strengthen our families today. You can buy this book from our friends at Smucker's® Online Store.
