Scenario:

Our younger child watches TV when she gets home from school, while our teen is on the internet. It is always hard to make them come to the table. They will typically grab a plate and go on with their viewing/browsing.

Suggestions:

While it may be OK to allow limited viewing time, it is very important to turn the TV or computer off before mealtime. Give your kids a 5 minute warning before the meal. Tell them how valuable mealtime is to you for connecting with them. They might grumble, but studies show children and teens value mealtime, too.

Reference: Story M; Neumark-Sztainer D. JADA, 106(4):526-532; 2005.