Our co-founder, Dr. Anne Fishel, is fond of saying that while food brings everyone to the table, it’s what happens at the table that keeps them there (and makes them want to come back!). That’s why The Family Dinner Project has always focused on putting fun and conversation on the menu at family dinner. A positive, enjoyable eating experience has benefits for the whole family, and makes it more likely that you’ll create an ongoing dinnertime routine.

Words — what we choose to say, how we say it and even how we play with words and language — create the kind of pleasant and welcoming environment that makes family dinner worthwhile. Here are some of our top tips for choosing and using words for fun and conversation that will make everyone want seconds:

Regular family dinners give kids an edge when it comes to building vocabulary and early reading skills. You can enhance those benefits at any age by playing word games during dinnertime! Try a few of these favorites at your next shared meal.

Food Poetry »
Fictionary »
Story by Sentence »

It’s a common theme among families of all sizes: They get to the dinner table, and then the conversation dies with the dreaded one-word answer. “How was your day?” “Fine.” “What did you do?” “Nothing.”
Draw out the details with our tips for avoiding one-word answers — specifically geared towards families with kids, and those without.

Avoiding One-Word Answers (for families with kids at home) »
Initiating Deeper Conversations (for child-free couples and empty-nesters) »

While the dinner table is more fun when topics of conversation stay upbeat and positive, sometimes it’s only natural that the discussion might take a more serious tone. When a family member is sad or disappointed, or something distressing has happened close to home or even in the news, it’s important to support one another. Check out these articles about dealing with the more serious stuff at the table.

Talking to Kids About Tragedy »
Bringing Empathy to the Dinner Table »
Challenging Conversations »

We’re pleased to introduce the Gonzalez family, a family of seven where everyone pitches in to make dinnertime happen!

Real Family Dinner Projects: The Gonzalez Family »