Tonight with your 5 to 8 year old
The prompt
“If we had a family vote on phones at the table, what rule would you vote for?”
What to listen for
If they vote for no phones and explain it's because they want people to actually talk, that's a clear, honest signal that they crave more undivided attention during meals, worth taking to heart.
If they vote to allow phones sometimes, ask when, their answer often reveals which parts of mealtime feel boring or tense to them and could use more engagement.
If they don't care either way, that's useful information too, it may mean this particular rule isn't where their attention needs are currently focused.
What this tells you
This shows how much undivided attention they're currently craving during the one guaranteed shared time of the day.