Moses Bulamu

By Moses Bulamu

As a father, I purposed to set a hemming tone at meal time for my children. Every one needs to enjoy their food. Every one needs to be needed, to freely catch up on things, to tease, banter galore and warmth. I used to tell wifey, meal time is not time to correct or rebuke our teens. There is plenty of it after the meal. Meal time was to channel mental health wellness. All the energy and synergy, all the electricity at meal time was a healing balm.

Today’s fast-paced world, mealtimes often become rushed or solitary experiences. Infact to solitary that they can be armed with selfishness. However, gathering around the table can be a powerful opportunity to foster mental well-being and strengthen relationships. Table talk, or conversations during meals, plays a significant role in promoting emotional health and resilience.

The specific aspects of table talk that contribute to mental health include:

• Reducing stress and anxiety: Sharing meals and conversations can help alleviate stress and promote relaxation.
• Building self-esteem: Positive interactions and validation during meals can enhance self-esteem and confidence.
• Developing emotional regulation: Table talk provides a safe space to express and manage emotions, promoting emotional regulation and well-being.
• Fostering empathy and understanding: Engaging in conversations and sharing experiences can increase empathy and understanding among family members.

A great example of this is the Smith family. They prioritized family meals and noticed significant improvements in their relationships and mental health. “Mealtimes became our sacred bonding time,” said Mrs. Smith. “We’d share stories, laughter, and support each other.” Their children reported reduced stress and improved relationships with parents.

Meal times encourage social Connection, interaction and extinguish any feelings of loneliness and isolation. At meals, boys should be allowed to be boys. Of course with a helping eye and a rebuking touch. Meals act as a spring board to emotional Expression. Table talk provides a safe space to express emotions, thoughts, and experiences, promoting emotional release and validation. It’s at meals that words like ‘sorry, I understand, I empathise’ come out freely.

Meals can act as a Support Network. Regular family meals or gatherings can create a sense of belonging and support, essential for mental health. Meals can lead to Mindful Eating. Savoring meals and engaging in conversation encourages mindful eating, reducing stress and increasing enjoyment.

So, as a father, you need to Set a positive tone during meal time. A quaralling father births fear and resentment. Encourage open and respectful conversation as you validate your boys. Sometimes one needs to transfer knowledge off what they study into a family setup. For example, Ask open-ended questions like you would do in quantitative research! Foster deeper discussions and connections. Let your people have the safety to openly share their joys and fears. Good meal time should encouraging good listening.

I once had time out with a friend who could hardly listen! He seemed to have an answer to everything I said, till I reminded her, my talk with her was not to get answers – all I needed was her to listen. Listening allows one to Show genuine interest in others’ thoughts and feelings. Parents should be encouraging to share personal experiences. Model vulnerability and authenticity. My former boss used to say, “traveling was an opportunity to learn his children something new” his stories were authentic and legit!

As said above, today’s hustle bustle might not allow all the nicities to a meal but, if we purpose to Schedule regular meals, Prioritize family meals or gatherings we could end up with a perfect health wellness channel as families. If we took our thumbs and eyes off gadgets, if we Minimize distractions and focus on conversation we in effect channel a positive mental health to us as a family. That way, we Encourage participation and stretch our thoughts and feelings.

Let’s embrace a positive table talk, where we can cultivate a supportive environment that promotes mental health, strengthens relationships, and fosters a sense of community.