Table Time in the Modern Age

Family on Friday!

Or should I say, "Table Time in Spite of the Modern Age?"

The point is, too many people feel that just being in the same room is enough.  And there are those who rarely do that anymore.  I'm not saying to kill your t.v. or check your phone at the door.  I am saying that it would be better to have some place and time when the outside world is left outside.  Signing up your family members for a MMORPG account and doing quests together is social, yes, but in a sad, sad way.

Tables are great for social interaction.  If you can't seem to connect with your family on a meaningful level over a meal just yet, then try any of a wide variety of table games that are out there.  Not all families can converse without heated arguments sending something into the trashcan (I've eaten with you.  I know).  Try turning those arguments into competitiveness.  Nothing can justify animosity better than a game.

Families that have fun together...  well... have fun together.

My daughter isn't old enough to play anything more advanced than look-at-the-toy, hold-up-your-head, or how-long-can-you-hold-the-rattle.  As a former youngun, I can remember living in my parents' very social home.  I've been to houses with teens, tweens, and energy vampires, and it doesn't take long to tell which families set aside time to be a family from those who pass each other in the halls.

I wouldn't suggest quitting the screens cold turkey.  Start off just by trying to demonstrate some simple courtesy (hundreds of thousands of moviegoers will thank you).  And lead by example.  Nothing will build up resentment and rebellion more a than do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do attitude.  Think about your attitude toward our government and you'll understand what I'm talking about.

Courtesy can and will prompt a change from looking in the area between the plate and stomach to heads up, eyes forward, and realizing that there are people in the room with whom to speak.  The best way to get there relies on incentive and reward, not restriction and punishment.  You've got to be ten times more interesting than whatever they're doing to avoid you, not the subject of their next flame.

What's worked for you?