TV, Computer Games and the end of Family Meal Times are killing conversation between parents and kids. That's what the Basic Skill Agency say, and looking at our families they have a point!

This has quite a big knock on effect, as children who can't communicate well don't make friends as easily or connect with teachers very well, which obviously slows their rate of learning. We have a few simple things that we tried, and they seem to be working (although it was very hard work at first, especially when we were busy):-

• Eat a few meals together each week without the TV on.
• Limit the amount of time each day that the kids can do ‘solitary' things.
• Play a family game once a week, where everyone can take part. Choose a game that is easy to learn but interesting for you. We especially liked Junior Monopoly, Junior Charades, Uno, Cranium Cadoo.

The great thing was we loved playing them as well, and had forgotten how much we loved good fun games like charades Charades(The children found it hysterical, and so did we!).

Enjoy!

Kate