Earning Influencer Status: Building Relationship at the Mealtime Table
It sounds like laughter, casual debating and storytelling. It feels like connectivity, belonging and love. It looks, smells and tastes like tradition, culture and satisfaction. It is family mealtime.
Meaningful conversations with your children over meals are a great place to reinforce the value of your voice in their lives. Why the need to reinforce your voice? Because there is a fierce competition for the attention of your children, and you must have a deliberate plan for winning the prize of top influencer in their lives. Developing a holistic plan to be a prevalent and enduring voice requires intentional strategy, and mealtime conversations are the perfect place to start.
Conversation is the process of sharing ideas, thoughts and experiences. It is a tool for building deeper connections and expanding the breadth of relationships. Great conversations create pivotal moments in our lives. I can remember, with vivid detail, some of the conversations that changed my career path, relationships or self-image. I can remember exactly how the words of my conversation partner impacted me, as well as the gratitude I felt for our time together. Conversations matter. For this reason, I prioritize the power of meaningful conversations, especially with my children. I encourage you to do the same because our children need to experience the pivotal “light-bulb” moments that result from talking and connecting with their parents.
Mealtime and good conversation are always a winning combination. This is why going out to eat or hosting a meal at home is a tried-and-true social activity. There is nothing like sharing a story or discussing a solution over a wonderful meal with someone we trust. The primary objective of mealtime gatherings is not so much the food but rather connecting through conversation and togetherness. The meal is simply an authentic and organic relationship building platform. Accordingly, building a tradition of meaningful mealtime conversations with your children will yield great rewards. Start with a commitment to eating together one day a week and then build from there. I recommend starting with Sunday brunch or dinner and working towards cementing at least three family meals per week.
Here are a few guidelines for planning and executing great family mealtimes:
Schedule meals by putting them on an actual calendar (paper or electronic).
Pray or say grace.
Serve foods that everyone will enjoy.
Think about conversation topics ahead of time and write them down.
Listen as much as you talk.
Focus the conversation on trust and relationship building by avoid criticism and sharing harsh opinions
End the meal and conversation on a high note.
Every mom wants to be an influencer in the lives of her family, and the mealtime table is an excellent platform to execute that process. Plan to start this coming Sunday by serving a great brunch or dinner. Be sure to include wonderful food, thoughtful conversation and lots of love. The result will be new levels of trust, influence and amazing memories.
Vetta Cash is a Speaker, Content Creator and Home & Hosting Savant
