Table Talk Tips

Kim Burton brings her family together by sharing cooking duties with husband Jeff. In the Evans household, country music superstar Sara Evans makes time for her kids by throwing some Libby’s Vegetables in a Crock Pot and letting it do the work. With seven kids to feed, Total Mom author Hannah Keeley finds it cost- and time-effective to keep a stocked pantry she can “shop” when making a family dinner.

Since gathering the family around the table for mealtime can be quite challenging, especially during these economic times, we asked busy moms and families like you across the country for their unique and creative solutions for connecting with their families over dinner every day!

For more tips from Hannah Keeley and to leave your suggestion for family meal time, visit Hannah’s Winning Solutions Blog!

Tip 1: Set a dinner time and stick to it!

  • Diane of Plano, TX sets a mandatory dinnertime one day a week!
  • J. of Spring Hill, TN agrees dinner time is family time. Everything else can wait.
  • Quanda of Comstock Park, MI will even rearrange her timetable so the whole family can eat dinner together at least two to three times a week.

Tip 2: Make it a family affair

  • Shannon of Weatherford, TX suggests shutting the TV off and serving dinner ‘family style.’ “The kids love to pass the dish around the table, and they’re more eager to help clean up too!”
  • Rita of Spring, TX advises to plan menus early based on everyone’s input and level of participation. She makes Friday ‘left-over nite’ – "So everyone can enjoy their favorite from the week."
  • J. of Spring Hill, TN agrees – “cooking home meals that everyone in the family likes” is important.
  • Bill of Charlotte, NC suggests including everyone in cooking and set-up for the meal and then plans games for an after dinner reward.

Tip 3: Get creative!

  • Katie of Lake Wylie, SC implements a color code system to help smaller children get involved in dinner time prep.
  • Toni of Tulsa, OK suggests teaching the family to cook and adds that kids will be excited to see your reaction when you taste a meal they helped create!
  • Doris of Alvin, TX recommends inviting guests to join the family, such as a grandparent or neighbor who lives alone - “This gives variety and satisfaction of sharing with those you love and care for and also takes away the temptation to skip out on making dinner.”
  • Sara of Mesa, AZ says "To bring my family to the table, we TURN OFF THE TV, and sit together at least twice a week. Each of us takes a turn saying what they are grateful for and we enjoy a home cooked meal."