Turn Off the TV During Meals to Encourage Mindful Eating and Conversation

If you’ve ever tried to get your kid to eat a carrot while they’re hypnotized by dancing talking animals, this one’s for you. Turning off the TV at dinner is like trying to land a spaceship on a trampoline—everyone notices, there’s a lot of noise, but hey, suddenly people are actually talking (and maybe even chewing). If you’re tired of your family’s main dinner conversation being ‘Can you turn it up?’—this is your cue.

Switching off the TV during meals helps kids (and, let’s be honest, adults) tune into their own hunger cues, chew their food, and actually notice what’s on their plate—hello, broccoli! It boosts language skills, emotional connection, and even helps brains develop better impulse control. For parents, it’s a rare chance to catch up on the day’s highlights (or lowlights) without competing with cartoon theme songs.

How to do it

First, warn everyone—don’t just yank the cord mid-bite. Set a family rule: the TV should be off during meals. You might even want to stash the remote somewhere out of sight.

Start with one meal a day (breakfast counts!). This makes the change manageable and helps everyone adjust.

Keep conversation starters handy, such as:

  • “What’s the weirdest thing you saw today?”
  • “Did anything make you laugh today?”
  • “What’s something you’re looking forward to?”

When someone inevitably tries to sneak a peek at their phone, gently remind them that the only drama allowed is the one happening at the table.

Bonus points for making it a game:

  • See who can go the longest without mentioning a screen.
  • Offer a small reward for the winner.

Key Tips:

  • Give everyone a heads-up before starting this new routine.
  • Make the rule clear and consistent.
  • Encourage fun and engaging conversations.
  • Be patient—habits take time to change.

When you set the table for a meal.

Physically turn off the TV before anyone sits down.
Smile and announce, ‘Let’s see who can make the weirdest face at the table!’
Put the TV remote in a basket or drawer away from the dining area.

When you call everyone to the table.

Read the sticky note out loud to the family.
Give yourself a dramatic chef’s bow for setting the mood.
Write a sticky note reminder (‘TV-free zone!’) and stick it on the TV or dining table.

As you pour drinks or serve food.

Pull one question from the jar to kick off the meal.
Do a quick happy dance in your chair when someone actually answers.
Create a little ‘conversation jar’ with silly questions to ask at dinner.