April 15th, 2013
Dr. Anne Fishel on the importance of family storytelling to building resilient kids who bounce back from challenges.
Food For Thought
Hungry for family dinner advice? Dr. Anne Fishel draws on her experience as a family therapist, associate professor of psychology, and mother of two sons to bring you helpful dinnertime observations and tips.
Tips for Bringing Empathy to the Table
February 14th, 2013
Dr. Anne Fishel offers advice on how to weave empathy into everyday table discussions.
A Solution to Resolutions
January 21st, 2013
Sick of doomed New Year’s resolutions? So is Dr. Anne Fishel, who proposes an alternative.
Let’s Talk Turkey
November 22nd, 2012
The expression “talking turkey” has two opposite original meanings—either to speak pleasantly around the dinner table, or to skip the niceties and get right to what’s important. It is, of course, this second meaning that persists…
Doctor’s Order: Have Family Dinners
August 23rd, 2012
Recently, we sat down with two groups of pediatricians to find out what doctors think of family dinners.
Creating Meaningful Conversation
June 27th, 2012
Check out our tips for making conversations with your kids more fun and thoughtful!
Family Dinner at the White House
May 7th, 2012
Jodi Kantor, author of “The Obamas,” talks about the First Family’s dinners together.
‘That’s Disgusting!’ – Encouraging Picky Eaters
April 4th, 2012
Does nature or nurture create picky eaters? Plus tips for taming even the pickiest among us
Meeting Your Child’s Sweetheart: 12 Tips for a Successful Meal
February 14th, 2012
It’s hard to be our best, most authentic selves when our children bring a significant other home to dinner.
Thanksgiving Story Telling
November 23rd, 2011
‘We learn about our families from the stories that we tell, and our brains are wired to understand each other through stories.’ Plus questions to inspire story sharing
The Where of Family Dinners
October 31st, 2011
Considering the spatial “ingredients” of family dinners
Why I Went on Strike
August 31st, 2011
When my sons were 12 and 14, I went on strike. To demand more respect for my nightly dinners, I hung up my apron and just stopped cooking.
by Dr. Anne K. Fishel
Anne Fishel is an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychology at the Harvard Medical School and the Director of the Family and Couples Therapy Program at Massachusetts General Hospital. She has lectured and written about the benefits of family meals.
Her book about family dinners, Home for Dinner: Mixing Food, Fun and Conversation for Happier Families and Healthier Kids, is available through Amazon.