I am a mum of 3 young kids. I know the daily struggle. Getting your kids to EAT their meal and in a timely manner. Picking the right style and colour plate and cutlery, trying new foods and finishing their fruit/vegetables can all be a challenge. As young children they can be so distracted – by toys, the television, each other. They leave the table multiple times, make lots of mess. They are always looking for something else – a drink, dessert, other food that might take their fancy other than what’s on their plate. It can be so hard, stressful and time consuming.      

I have noticed that when we sit together at mealtime and talk about our day and the foods on our plate that our kids stay for longer at the dining table, eat more of their food and practice engaging in conversation with each other. We have asked the simple question “What are you grateful for today?” every night at dinner for the past couple of years now and it has worked so beautifully as a conversation starter.

It got me thinking of other age appropriate conversation starters we could use at mealtime and that’s how these cards were created. They are the perfect pair to our tableware that will assist other families to connect mindfully with their children.     

When I was a child, our family of 4 always ate dinner together at the dining table. Distractions were limited (television off, no mobile phones and limited technology back then) and we were able to connect with each other as we spoke about our day. Now in adulthood I appreciate that my parents had those ‘rules’ around dinner time. We are still very close as a family, enjoy each other’s company and speak most days about everything and anything.

I wanted to ensure our kids, the next generation, have the same opportunity, especially in the ‘busy-ness’ of the current world. So in our family, connecting at mealtime (especially dinner) is a priority in our house including talking about all types of feelings.

These conversation starter cards include 24 open ended questions designed for kids aged 2+ in a cotton drawstring bag.

The cards can also be used to play memory or snap (my son’s favourite).

Examples of questions include:

• Who did you see today? What do you love about them?
• Did you feel angry today? What made you feel better?
• What was something kind you did today?

Instructions on how to use the cards:

1. At mealtime, select a card and read the question out loud.
2. Take turns answering the question, ensuring every person gets to talk.
3. Expand on the conversation starter question where possible.
4. Select as many cards as you like.

Cards designed and pictures hand drawn by Jodie Crowley