Have you ever found yourself asking, “Why can’t I just get my stuff together?” You know, the feeling of trying to balance your kids’ extracurricular activities while ensuring dinner is on the table at a reasonable hour, and everyone is content. Ideally, this experience would involve your kids respecting and listening to each other, making it a wonderful family time. Well, if you’re anything like me, this week was the complete opposite. The only thing we got right was that the kids were fed, but as for doing “The Table Talk Project,” it honestly just didn’t happen.
And I am just going to say… That is okay. (Now, take a deep breath).
But why is it okay, you ask? For one, life happens. “The Table Talk Project” is not a pass or fail endeavour. It’s a tool designed to support families in having meaningful conversations around the dinner table. While we encourage doing it once a week, there are times when conflicting schedules may only allow for once a fortnight or even once a month. The key is that you do it regularly because that’s how connections are built.
So, if you missed a week, a fortnight, or a month, I give you permission to be kind to yourself and say, “It is what it is.” After all, life is full of unexpected twists and turns.
If you take a moment to reflect on your time with your kids this week, you might find moments of connection. Moments where you thought, “Wow, I didn’t know that!” or simply cuddles on the couch. When it comes to family connections, it’s not about how much time you spend; it’s about the quality of that time.
The other day, my wife Kate asked me, “So, Neil, what was your favourite part of Father’s Day for you?” I didn’t have to ponder it for long to provide an answer. Let me share that moment with you.
We had just finished brunch around 12 pm, and as is our tradition, my kids handed me some presents. They asked me to sit on the couch as each of them presented their gifts. There were items from the Father’s Day stall and, of course, my favourite lollies. But the best part? Sitting on the couch with my whole family, no electronic devices in sight, just chatting, laughing, and discussing the upcoming holiday we were planning for later that month. It was a truly precious moment.
Now, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your own family moments this week. What stands out to you? What were the moments of genuine connection?
As we wrap up this reflection, I invite you to set a date for your next “Table Talk Project” gathering. Whether it’s next week, in a fortnight, or even a month from now, mark it on your calendar. Remember, even though the research suggests weekly this is not always possible to do (as you found out from my story); it’s about making the time you do have count.
Let’s strive for more of those cherished moments with our loved ones.
Embrace the imperfections of life, and keep building those meaningful family connections—one dinner conversation at a time.
Don’t forget also to share your experience this week on the private Facebook Group so as to encourage others who are the journey too.
