Finally got my kids off their phones during dinner and it actually worked

Feb 211 min read

Not gonna lie, I was skeptical but we started a no phones at the table rule and made it fun by asking everyone weird questions instead. My 10yr old actually talked about his day without me pulling teeth. 12yo complained for two days then got over it. Two weeks in and dinner is actually enjoyable now. If you're thinking about trying this, just commit to it for real and don't cave.

10 comments114 views

Comments(10)

TTravis N.RegularFeb 23

We tried this and it actually stuck! The key was making it a game instead of a rule. My kids are way more engaged at dinner now instead of zoning out.

KKevinNew DadFeb 22

This is huge. We tried the same thing and it actually worked better than I expected. Now they actually talk instead of just grunting between bites.

TTyler G.New DadFeb 21

How long have you been doing this? I'm worried mine will just go back to sneaking phones once the novelty wears off.

VVic H.RegularFeb 21

The fact that your 10 year old opened up like that just shows he was probably ready for this. Good instinct making it a game instead of a punishment.

BBenny R.RegularFeb 21

That weird questions thing is genius. Beats battling them about putting the phones down. Sounds like dinner got actually fun.

TTravis N.RegularFeb 21

Love this approach way more than just laying down the law. When you make it interesting they actually want to be there.

DDanNew DadFeb 21

Making it fun is the key. We did something similar and turned it into a game where we ask crazy hypothetical questions. Kids actually engage now.

TTyler G.New DadFeb 21

This gives me hope. We just tried it last week and it's already making a difference. My 13 year old actually puts his phone down without fighting us now.

MMarcusRegularFeb 22

That's awesome it worked for you. What kind of stuff did you ask them about? We're struggling with getting actual conversation at dinner instead of just everyone eating in silence.

DDominic E.RegularFeb 23

The fact that it actually stuck is the impressive part. Most screen time rules last about a week before everyone's back to scrolling. What was your approach to keep it going?