Table Talk Conversation Cards and Summer Flavors at Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen

Let’s talk. I mean seriously, let’s really talk. You know how hectic life gets. And even though summertime means the kids are around more and logically you should be able to get in more quality family time, you sometimes find that instead of having real conversations your verbal interactions are often characterized by imperative sentences. You know…”Close the door.” “Pick up your toys.” “Don’t talk to your sister like that. “Quite whining.” Instead of talking WITH your family, you end up talking TO them. Today I’m excited to share my solution for quality family time with Table Talk Conversation Cards and summer flavors at Cheddar’s.

Family dinners are such a good time to remedy that situation for quality time, but if you’re like me, you find that even that may be hard to pull off during the summer. Fear not, I’ve discovered a no guilt solution…Go out to eat! Seriously, give yourself permission to occasionally take a break from it all and have some real quality family time at a restaurant.  

That’s just what my family did the other day.  We loaded up and went to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen for a much needed break from a very long and hectic day.  During the month of June, you can take your family to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen and find your summer flavor…and a little quality family time.  Before you dive into the quality time, start your meal with free hand-breaded, made-to-order 5 PC Chicken Tenders in Original, Honey Hot or Buffalo flavor.  We tried the Honey Hot and everyone, even the kids loved them!  They had a sweet and spicy kick to them that was finger licking good!

Then again everything on the Cheddar’s menu is delicious, especially the favorite summer flavors like the Citrus Miso Glazed Salmon or the new Knob Creek Peach Smash.  Or you could try one of the menu staples, my husband had the ribs and said they were so good.  Of course you have to finish a quality night out with the family with something sweet!  End a fabulous evening with the famous Monster Cookie.  I’d love to tell you how delicious that was, but my kids devoured it and I only had one small bite.  Because they were licking the plate I’m assuming it was amazing.

But, you know what was better than the amazing food?  Talking to our kids and spending some quality time without distractions. I know what you are thinking, but how is that possible, my kids are always restless when we go out to eat.  In an effort to keep them happy and busy, and give us a chance to really connect, I created this free set of printable Table Talk Conversation Cards. These cards help us enjoy a stress-free dinner out, while having quality time talking with our kids.  Research shows that they are so many great benefits to having quality table talk: 

• Let’s parents teach healthy communication without distractions from smart phones, television, computers, and mobile devices.
• Teaches kids to listen and then share their own opinions in a safe environment.
• Expands vocabulary.
• Ensures that children feel like an important part of a larger social dynamic.
• Helps children know that they are valued and respected.
• Promotes a sense of security which leads to higher self-esteem and positive personal identity.

Add to all this that several studies have shown that children who eat dinner with their families are more likely to understand and follow the family’s rules and expectations. Now that one’s huge folks!  These table talk conversation cards make it so easy!

Start by downloading the free printable cards. I created a set of over 50 conversation starters which you can download and print HERE.  First I printed off the conversation cards and then I put the printed card back in my printer and printed the front of the cards (download the file HERE), this of course is completely optional.

Next, cut out the cards and fill in the blank ones with any topics you want.

Once the cards are cut put them in a little bag and keep them in your purse.  I made a canvas Table Talk with my Cricut Explore Air 2 to keep ours in.  This is so nice and handy to have when you are eating out on vacation, or need a break from the kitchen, or are simply stuck in traffic. 

Now that you have your table talk conversation cards printed and ready, download the coupon for free hand-breaded, made-to-order 5 PC Chicken Tenders and head to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen for great food, quality time and extraordinary memories with the family!

So go on…sit down, relax, eat out and bask in the knowledge that you are doing something really great for your kids’ healthy development.

And to help you get started we are giving away a $50 gift card to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, enter below.
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