Life moves fast, and it’s all too easy to let the days blur together in a rush of schedules, to-dos, and responsibilities. But every evening, right there at your dinner table, there’s an opportunity to slow down, connect, and make the ordinary feel a little more magical. Enter: High + Low dinner conversations, an effortless but meaningful way to foster connection as a family.
What Is a High + Low Conversation?
The concept is simple: each person at the table shares their high (the best part of their day) and their low (the hardest part of their day). That’s it. No pressure, no elaborate prompts, just a small moment to reflect, listen, and be heard.
Why It Matters
In a world where distractions are endless, these small conversations build strong family bonds. They teach kids to identify their feelings, practice gratitude, and develop empathy as they listen to one another’s experiences. And for parents, it’s a beautiful way to peek into their children’s hearts and minds, sometimes in ways they might not otherwise share.
How to Make It a Habit
- Keep It Casual – There’s no need for formality. Whether it’s around the dinner table, during a snack, or even in the car, the goal is simply to talk.
- Model the Practice – If kids are hesitant at first, lead by example! Share your own high and low, showing them that it’s okay to celebrate wins and acknowledge struggles.
- Make It Safe – There are no “right” or “wrong” answers. The goal is to listen, validate, and encourage open conversation.
- Embrace the Little Moments – Not every day will be filled with grand highs or deep lows. Sometimes a high is “having mac and cheese for lunch” and a low is “spelling test was hard.” That’s okay! The magic is in the habit of sharing.
A Small Tradition with Big Impact
This simple daily check-in has a way of turning even the most routine dinners into something special. It encourages presence, reminds us of life’s little joys, and creates a rhythm of connection that can carry through the years.
So tonight, as you gather around the table, give it a try. Ask, “What was your high today? What was your low?” And let the conversation flow from there. You never know what you might learn, or how much closer you might feel, just by listening.