Our 'no phones at dinner' rule is actually working

May 71 min read

We started this about 3 months ago. First two weeks were rough, kids complained constantly. But now we actually talk at dinner instead of everyone being in their own world. My wife and I are putting our phones away too, not just them. It's wild how much I missed just hearing about their day without them half-distracted. We've added phones away an hour before bed too and everyone's sleeping better. Not saying every family needs to do this but if you're struggling with screen time, starting with family meals might be the move.

9 comments199 views

Comments(9)

CChris F.RegularMay 7

This is huge. Those first two weeks are always the worst but you pushed through it. Now you're actually getting dinner back as family time instead of just existing in the same room.

PPhil C.RegularMay 7

Three months of real conversation at dinner is worth every complaint they threw at you in week two. That's a win right there.

NNate H.RegularMay 7

That's the goal right there man. Sticking with it past the rough part so you actually get to know what's going on in their heads again.

DDerekNew DadMay 8

Three months in and they've actually adjusted? That's impressive. Everyone in our house would riot if we tried this. The fact that it's working now must mean they're finding other stuff to talk about at dinner.

KKevinRegularMay 8

This is huge. We've been doing something similar and the conversations that happen at dinner are actually incredible now. No phones means they actually talk about their day instead of just being glued to screens.

RRonRegularMay 8

Props for sticking it out through those rough two weeks. That's the hardest part. My kids are finally at an age where they get why we do this and it's made a real difference in our family time.

DDerekNew DadMay 8

How did you handle the initial pushback? We tried this once and it lasted about a week before everyone revolted. Would love to know what made it stick for you.

PPedroRegularMay 9

This is awesome to hear because we're about to implement the same rule at our place. How old are your kids? Worried the younger ones might rebel harder than the older ones.

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MMarkRegularMay 8

That first two weeks sounds brutal but the payoff seems worth it. We tried this and lasted about 4 days before my youngest had a meltdown. Might be time to circle back and try again.