Brits are being inspired to embrace the art of dinner time conversation this autumn following latest research revealing half of UK children (49%) regularly play on their phones and tablets around the table.

The study from Hungry Horse found more than a third (37%) of parents struggle to engage with their child at dinner time, with nearly a third (30%) of kids rarely communicating with their parents around the table as a result.

The data further shows the average UK family eats together just three times a week, with under one in five (19%) doing so a full seven days a week and more than one in 20 (7%) never eating together.

The good news is family pub brand Hungry Horse is helping families with a new initiative, ‘Table Talk’, designed to bring people together around the dinner table and reengage in the art of holding face to face conversations.

As part of the initiative, Hungry Horse has partnered with popular family psychologist Emma Kenny to create conversation starters for both parents and kids, in the form of fun new activity sheets.

These will be available for customers to enjoy across all 226 Hungry Horse pubs from Monday 2nd September, creating a safe and fun environment for families to converse and enjoy quality mealtimes together in real life.

Furthermore, Emma Kenny has shared a series of expert tips for parents or guardians on how best to engage their little ones around the dinner table.

Emma said: “While technology has revolutionised communication in some amazing ways, it has also made us become lazier when it comes to face to face conversation, which is now in decline in society. The risk of allowing this is that we and our children will lose out on developing important social and emotional skills.

“That’s why it’s so important to facilitate families to get together at dinner time and engage in conversation, helping our little ones nurture the skills they need in life and communicate effectively, not to mention strengthening those important family bonds that play such a big part in our lives.”

EMMA’S TOP 10 TIPS FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS

SAFE SPACE
Ensure your child knows they can talk to you about anything without fear of judgment or punishment. Show them through your words and actions that you’re a safe haven for their thoughts and feelings.

BE PRESENT
Dedicate time each day to be fully present with your child. Put away distractions and show them that they have your undivided attention. This consistent availability builds trust and encourages openness.

PLAYTIME
Engage in playtime activities that your child enjoys. Often, children express themselves more freely when they are relaxed and having fun. Use this time to gently ask about their day or feelings.

CONVERSATION
Instead of yes/no questions, ask open-ended ones that require more thought and expression. For example, “What was the best part of your day?” or “How did that make you feel?”

SHARING IS CARING
Let your child know that it’s okay to feel a range of emotions. When they share something, acknowledge their feelings without immediately trying to fix the problem. Saying, “That sounds tough, how can I help?” can be very comforting.

ALL EARS
Sometimes, children need time to articulate their thoughts. Give them the space to speak at their own pace without rushing them. Active listening involves nodding, maintaining eye contact, and summarising what they’ve said to show understanding.

MAKING TIME
Having regular times for communication, such as during bedtime or mealtimes, can make it easier for your child to open up. These predictable moments provide a sense of security and routine, making sharing more natural.

PERSONAL SPACE
Encourage your child to share, but also respect their need for privacy. Let them know that it’s okay to keep some things to themselves, which can actually help build their trust in you.

POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT
When your child does open up, show appreciation for their honesty and bravery. Praise them for sharing and reassure them that you’re proud of their willingness to communicate.

DECK THE TECH
Have a rule where technology is banned from the table so that you can all be present with each other whenever you are eating. This will mean your kids grow up seeing mealtimes as a special place to relax, unwind and debrief with you.

Sarah Williams, Senior Marketing Manager at Hungry Horse, said: “Mealtimes are about so much more than just eating – they’re about bringing people together to share memorable moments around the dinner table. That’s what our new Table Talk initiative is all about!

“As our research and expert insight shows, there are several ways to ensure family bonding at dinner time, from asking about your child’s day to talking about their ambitions and aspirations.

“We look forward to welcoming families into their local Hungry Horse this autumn to do just that!”