3 Simple Ways to Get Kids Talking at Dinner Tonight

Have you ever sat down for family dinner hoping for connection—only to be met with silence, clinking forks, and kids glued to their phones?

Even though dinner is one of the best chances to connect with your kids, conversation doesn’t always come naturally. Many busy parents assume that because you love each other, the talking part should just happen—but when it doesn’t, you miss out on those small, meaningful moments that strengthen your family bond.

In this episode of Parents Making Time, we’re sharing three simple ways to get your kids talking at dinner—so you can turn mealtime into a daily ritual of laughter, learning, and love. These intentional family time ideas will help you go from awkward silence to genuine connection in just a few minutes a day, making meal times more meaningful and engaging.

In under 15 minutes you’ll learn…

• How to ask better questions that actually get your kids talking (and not just giving one or two word answers).
• Simple dinner table games that spark laughter, stories, and connection.
• The one thing you can do that instantly makes your kids more likely to open up and engage.

Because when you’re intentional about how you spend your family dinner time, you create moments that build connection, trust, and lifelong memories.

Get our FREE resource, “Dinner Conversation Starters", by going to: parentsmakingtime.com/dinnerconversations. 

00:00 Introduction to Dinner Time Conversations
00:36 Common Dinner Time Challenges
01:42 The Importance of Intentional Dinner Time
02:46 Tip 1: Ask Open-Ended Questions
04:53 Tip 2: Play Dinner Games
06:03 Tip 3: Share About Yourself
07:45 Consistency and Managing Expectations
08:48 Conclusion and Additional Resources

Follow the show on Instagram and  Facebook to keep the conversation going. It’s the best way to get quick tips, encouragement, and resources to help you make time for what matters most—your family.

Easily improve your intentional parenting efforts at mealtime with our FREE resource, Dinner Conversation Starters.

Download our FREE resource, 30-Second Micro Moments of Intention with Your Kids, created for busy parents like you who need easy, actionable ways to have daily meaningful connections with their kids in less than a minute!

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For parenting inspiration, time management ideas, and encouragement for families, follow the hosts' individual accounts:

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Jennifer Craiker: Instagram

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