There are many emotional benefits that come from connecting over a family dinner. But with the competing demands of reality, like busy schedules, technology, and picky eaters, this simple idea isn’t always so simple. On today’s episode, Dr. Anne Fishel, executive director of The Family Dinner Project at Massachusetts General Hospital, joins Gene and Steve to discuss her new book, Eat, Laugh, Talk! From speaking with thousands of different families – including single-parent, three-generational, those with infants, those with teens – this book crowd sources the best tips that real families have found to make dinner an easier lift, along with conversation starters, games, and some great recipes. Added bonus? Dr. Fishel gives advice for keeping politics off the dinner table.

Thank you for joining in this conversation! Have a family dinner story to share with us? We’d love to hear. Write to us!

Media List

• The Family Dinner Project at MGH
• The Unexpected and Long-Term Benefits of Family Dinner (Mass General News)
• Eat, Laugh, Talk! The Family Dinner Playbook (Familius Press)
• Ratatouille – Official Trailer (YouTube)
• How to Make Your Toddler an Adventurous Eater and Cooperative Diner (MGH Clay Center)
• Community Dinners (The Family Dinner Project)
• Putting a Little Thanksgiving Into Your Nightly Family Dinners (MGH Clay Center)

Episode produced by Sara Rattigan

Music by Gene Beresin

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