Good communication isn’t about being the funniest, the smartest, or the loudest at the table. It’s about connecting – and sometimes, it’s about not rolling your eyes when your teenager takes 12 minutes to explain an Insta video. The good news? Improving communication doesn’t require a PhD in psychology; it just takes practice, empathy, and maybe a sense of humour.
Here are 5 ways you can get started:
1. Listen to hear, not just to reply
We’ve all been there; nodding our heads while secretly planning what to cook tomorrow or wondering where the dog ran off to. Real listening means being present. Put the phone down, keep eye contact, and really tune in. When children (or partners) feel heard, they talk more; and often surprise you with what’s on their mind.
2. Use the dinner table as your practice ground
The table isn’t just for food; it’s for connection. Sharing a meal gives you a natural chance to slow down and talk. Our Back at the Table app makes it even easier, with fun conversation starters that help families go beyond “How was your day?” (and the usual “Good” response). You’ll be amazed how quickly small prompts can lead to big conversations.
3. Add a dash of humour
Humour breaks down walls. Share the embarrassing thing that happened at work, laugh about the time you burnt the toast, or let your child tell you the 47th joke of the week. (Yes, even the terrible ones.) Laughter is a shortcut to connection; it reminds us we don’t have to take ourselves too seriously.
4. Be honest, even when it’s awkward
Communication isn’t always smooth. Sometimes you have to say, “I messed that up” or “I don’t have all the answers.” Vulnerability creates safety. When you’re honest about your feelings, children learn it’s okay to be honest about theirs too. That’s how families grow closer; not through perfection, but through authenticity.
5. Make room for everyone’s voice
Families work best when everyone gets a turn. The quiet child, the talkative one, the partner who thinks they’re not great at expressing themselves; they all deserve space. Try “rounds” at the table where everyone answers the same question. You’ll often discover things you never knew, even about the people you live with.
Final thought
Improving communication doesn’t happen overnight, but every meal is a new chance to practice. The more intentional you are, the more natural it becomes. Start small, laugh often, and don’t underestimate the power of one good conversation.
If you’d like a little help getting started, check out our Back at the Table web app; it’s full of conversation starters designed to bring families closer, one meal at a time.
