Table Talk: What We Can Do To Help The Environment

May 17, 2013  |
• by The Family Dinner


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Each week, The Huffington Post presents a compelling topic to spark discussion at your dinner table.

Last week, the earth hit an environmental milestone that has climate scientists very concerned. One of the things that the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Mauna Loa Observatory is responsible for is measuring the amount of carbon dioxide in the planet’s atmosphere. Its researchers in Hawaii found that we’ve passed the threshold of 400 parts per million — the highest carbon dioxide concentration in millions of years. It’s not just a number — this represents big changes for our environment. At the rate we’re going, the earth’s temperature could continue to rise, leading to more extreme weather and plants and animals going extinct.

But even in the face of all of this scary news, there are ways we can help to make our planet healthier. Simple things like walking or taking public transportation, being careful not to sit in a running car, eating less meat and buying groceries at the neighborhood farmers’ market are all ways to lend a hand — and everyone in the family can participate (get your parents involved!). Use social media to share articles about climate change (including this one!) and keep the conversation active. Tonight, let’s talk about what we can do to make an impact.

Questions for discussion:

* What have you learned about climate change at school?

* Does the news that we have surpassed the 400 ppm threshold scare you?

* What can people — including your family — do to make their lives more green?

Table Talk: What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?

April 26, 2013  |
• by The Family Dinner


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Each week, The Huffington Post presents a compelling topic to spark discussion at your dinner table.

This week is the perfect time to think about what you want to be when you grow up. On Thursday — the 20th annual Take Our Sons And Daughters To Work Day — parents across the country got to show their kids what they do at work every day.

There are many ways to determine what type of work might be right for you. Consider the activities you like best, your favorite subjects in school and the careers of the adults around you. Your dream job could be something you haven’t even discovered yet! Tonight, let’s talk about finding the work that fulfills us.

Questions for discussion:

* What do you want to be when you grow up?

* What kinds of things should you think about when choosing a career?

* Think about the jobs held by your own parents, your friends’ parents, and other adults in your life. Do any of them appeal to you? Why or why not?

The “When I Grow Up” Game

April 10, 2013  |
• by The Family Dinner


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Whether you’ve just met or have known each other for years, there are few better ways to learn something new about the person sitting next to you than finding out what they are passionate about right now. This is one of the many reasons we love playing “When I Grow Up”…

Table Talk: National Poetry Month

April 05, 2013  |
• by The Family Dinner


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Each week, The Huffington Post presents a compelling topic to spark discussion at your dinner table.

In 1996, the Academy of American Poets founded National Poetry Month to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture. There are many ways to celebrate this literary festival; for instance, writing your own poem, attending a public reading at school or the library or even visiting the home of a beloved writer like Emily Dickinson. On April 18th — Poem in Your Pocket Day — you can even join poetry lovers around the country by choosing one poem to bring with you everywhere you go.

Tonight, check out the amazing archives on Poets.org and pick a poem to recite over dinner for your family. If a 3-year-old can do it this well, you definitely give it a shot too!

Questions for discussion:

* What is your favorite poem?

* Have you ever written a poem?

* What makes poetry different from other art like novels, paintings or films?

* If you could pick one thing and devote a whole month to celebrating it, what would it be?

“Would You Rather … ?”

March 28, 2013  |
• by The Family Dinner


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There’s no shortage of current events to discuss around the table at dinner, but sometimes it’s nice to step out of the headlines. This is why “Would You Rather” questions are some of our favorites – they can be serious, silly or thoughtful and often they are a combination of all three.

Toss the question below to your family and see what happens!

Would you rather be able to fly or be invisible? Why?

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