The Table Talk Project is a valuable tool that can help families create a safe and inclusive space for everyone to have a voice at the dinner table, including mothers/carers. The project’s goal is to foster meaningful, real conversations among the family. This will often include people of different backgrounds and perspectives.
Here are some ways to utilise The Table Talk Project to give mothers/carers a voice at the dinner table:
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- Click on ‘Back at the table’ from the website and use conversation starters: The Table Talk Project offers a range of conversation starters on various topics that can be used to spark discussions at the dinner table. Encourage mothers to choose a topic that they are passionate about and lead the conversation this week.
- Set ground rules: The Table Talk Project encourages setting ground rules for respectful and inclusive conversations. Create a list of ground rules together as a family, including active listening, no interrupting, and respecting everyone’s perspective.
- Practise empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share another person’s feelings and perspectives. The Table Talk Project encourages families to practice empathy by listening without judgement and trying to understand each other’s experiences.
- Celebrate differences: The Table Talk Project celebrates diversity and encourages families to embrace their differences. Encourage mothers to share their unique experiences and perspectives, and celebrate the diversity that each member brings to the table.
- At ‘Dessert’ follow up: After the conversation, it is essential to follow up and continue the dialogue. Ask mothers how they felt about the conversation and what they would like to discuss next time.
In conclusion, utilising The Table Talk Project can be an effective tool for creating a space where mothers/carers can have a voice at the dinner table. By using conversation starters, setting ground rules, practicing empathy, celebrating differences, and following up, families can foster meaningful conversations that promote understanding and inclusivity.
This Mother’s Day, let’s use The Table Talk Project as a tool to give our mothers the space they deserve at the dinner table and beyond.
** Also, let’s be mindful especially of women who desperately want to be mothers but can’t for whatever reason, those who have lost children (including miscarriages), those who have lost their own mother, or those mothers who are separated from their children.
