Step #3 in Reclaiming the Family Table

Direct the Family Table

Nancy Campbell, editor of Above Rubies (http://aboverubies.org), has

several articles with practical suggestions for directing conversation at

the table. Here are a few lines from two of those articles:

“No One Left Out!

            When our children were growing up we would frequently ask

questions at the table. Some of the favorites were, “What was

the most exciting thing you did today?” Or, “What was the most

interesting thing you learned today?” Each child, from youngest

to oldest had to answer.

Dinner Time Conversations

--If you were given a million dollars, how would you spend it?

This was a favorite of our children. They never tired of

answering this question.

--If you were able to travel to another country, which one would

you choose, and why?

--Why do you think abortion is wrong

--if abortion is murder, what should we be doing about it?

Can you give some ideas?

--John Adams the second President of the United States said

”But a constitution of government once changed from freedom,

can never be restored. Liberty once lost is lost forever.” Do you

think this is true. If so, why?

--What are you most thankful for in life?—What new thing would

you like to learn to do? Why?

Direct the table conversation towards edifying speech

            --Positive, not negative

            --Affirming, not critical

            --Sincere, not sarcastic

            --Draws in guests and honors them

            --Meaningful toward strengthening the family identity

            --Celebrates the family history

         --Multi-generational (involves all ages)

            --Honors God

            --Celebrates the work of God

            --Applies biblical truth to personal experiences and current events

(Do you have any comments that affirm this approach to strengthening family table time?)

Corrections have been made in the links on "Building Stronger Families through the Family Table"