Ask before you get up from the table. Rules like these help children know that mealtime has a beginning, a middle, and an end. Children learn a lot when they listen and talk at mealtime. When children know you care about what they say at mealtime, that becomes an important time to be with you. At mealtime, children learn how to take turns listening and talking.
Children can learn new words and new ideas from others in the family.
Families often find it helps to turn the TV off and not answer the phone at mealtime. That makes the meal calmer and quieter. Then it is easier to talk and listen. Family food traditions can make meals fun and interesting. With so many changes in everyday life, it can help when some things stay the same.