The Great Debate
I’m always hearing conflicting advice about what’s considered polite conversation around the dinner table. Have things changed? Are religion and politics subjects I should be discussing with my teenagers over the evening meal?
Dr Pat Spungin answers
It’s a pretty old fashioned concept nowadays to worry about talking about politics and religion at the dinner table. Family meals present parents with a golden opportunity to get to understand how their teenager is changing and forming their own opinions.
I think you should take pride in the fact that your children are showing an interest in the world and developing their own views. Do remember that if their opinions are different from yours to treat those views with respect. Make them feel that they’re not being disparaged for their youth and naivety. Take this time to offer your children yourself as a role model, showing them how to discuss important issues. So many people can’t talk about contentious subjects without shouting each other down – here’s your chance to show them how it’s done!
Presenting and defending their opinions in a calm and reasoned way is a really important skill for later life. If they can learn it at home, so much the better. It also makes for a more interesting family meal!
