Have Fun with Dinner Conversation: Theme it!

Dinner can get quiet and sometimes boring as we all chow down and get lost in mindless munching. Kids can sometimes feel grilled by parents with questions like, “How was your day.” How often do we hear parents complain that their child answers “Fine”?

Each day of the workweek can elicit certain feelings. Monday’s can be monumental while Fridays bring a sense of freedom with the weekend looming. Why not recognize, embrace and celebrate those feelings by building in some playful word and communication challenges that heal and encourage. As a friend once shared with me her father-in-law’s favourite phrase was: Attitude, latitude, gratitude! In families and in classrooms if we repeat these sayings and have simple reference hooks these routine thoughts and metaphors might just create monumental lifelong habits.

This week of blogging will provide a discussion theme for each day of the workweek.

Oh Mondays …. Woah, woah. Monumental and manic! Yes, Mondays are a day when many of us take a deep breath and jump back into the work routine. For many children Monday is an exciting day as they get to return to school and see their beloved friends. Regardless of who you are Mondays are the first day of the standard workweek, signifying new beginnings, structure, and responsibilities. More often than not it is the day that new goals are set that can trigger anxiety. But how do we eat a monumental elephant? One small bite at a time. One small goal can with effort transform into an accomplishment.

As a family or a class, why not make Monday dinner, lunch, or snack time, motivational monumental Mondays! Sounds cheesy? Ok, I’ll admit, yes, but play around, joke around, show this playful video that might get everyone rolling eyes.

Then ask each family member or classmate to share their goals for the week. Inspiring and supportive words can then be offered to each person. Try not to give instructions but encouragement. Parents and teachers make sure set goals too. Build a growth mindset culture.

Quick Take Away Links

Great Monday Songs:

Background Info About Mondays :

Mondays Goal Day:

Attitude, Latitude, and Gratitude:

Encouraging Words: