How to unplug during family meals

Tech is a common distraction around the family table. Let’s be clear: We don’t hate your smartphones and iPads. They can be terrific tools for fostering food, fun and conversation at the family table. But your connected devices can also get in the way of true family connections at meal time. Here are some possible phone rules for your family, as suggested by the Family Dinner Project.

Tech-free zone

Some families choose “zero tolerance” for mealtimes. There are certainly times when this is a good idea for everyone. Zero tolerance means you turn off all computers, televisions and cellphones. Here’s the bad news — it’s usually parents who are most likely to break the rules. So zero tolerance needs to apply to everyone at the table, not just the kids.

One glance policy

We’ve all been in those situations where we are just dying to check our phones for a text or a game score. If you want a less restrictive meal time, consider the “one glance” policy. Everyone at the table gets once glance at their phone per meal. Use it wisely.

First to look

Find a cute basket and put it at the centre of the table. All the phones (Mom and Dad’s, too) go to the basket. At the beginning of the meal, everyone decides the penalty for being the first to look. Maybe first lookers have to clear the table, do the dishes or complete some other household task that helps the family.

Conversation starters

Do your kids have a favourite song or video that’s on their minds? Sometimes technology can spark a conversation and family connection. Watch a short clip or let your child read from a funny blog post. Now put the phones in the centre of the table and enjoy the conversation that ensues after you’ve allowed yourself to peek inside your child’s digital world.

The Google excuse

What do sloths eat for dinner? Sometimes family diners need to invite an expert to family dinner to resolve debates and enlighten us with meaningless trivia. Keep the phones in the middle of the table and take turns looking up info.

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