Right before dinner we play “one thing from the heart.” I ask: “What was hard today? What was good?” I listen. I don’t fix. Then we switch.

It takes five minutes, but our whole evening softens—fewer fights, easier bedtime. For us, it works better than long lectures.

Want a simple week of evening anchors? Step-by-step ideas live in Screen-Free Family: 8 Weeks Together.

Ask the Author: What’s the first question you’ll ask your child tonight?

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