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Table Talk: Questions and Quotes to Start Hundreds of Great Family Discussions on Patriotism, Values, Fun, and Faith
Nothing has a greater or more lasting impact on children than their parents, yet our society tries to weaken that influence. Talking and teaching are two things best done at home. Using hundreds of fun questions and quotes from this book, watch as your family comes together to discuss the most important issues of life—patriotism, values, fun, faith, and more.
224 pages, Paperback
First published February 12, 2013
183 people want to read
About the author
John S. Bushman
5 books15 followersOne of my greatest passions is writing. January 2011 will bring the publication of Impractical Grace which has been in creation for the last 10 years. It is a fantastic book that teaches the most important things in life through the vehicle of a great story.
I'm thrilled to be the father of five, the son of two, the brother of seven, and the husband of one. I grew up in Tempe, Arizona and served a mission in the Philippines. Later I got my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Instructional Technology from ASU. Arizona is also where I met the love of my life Tina, fell in love, and married.
Our family then moved to St. Goeorge where I worked as a full time Seminary instructor for ten years. Since then we have moved to Washington State where I teach Institute and coordinate the early morning Seminary program. I love teaching and studying the scriptures with the youth of the Church.
I'm thrilled to be the father of five, the son of two, the brother of seven, and the husband of one. I grew up in Tempe, Arizona and served a mission in the Philippines. Later I got my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Instructional Technology from ASU. Arizona is also where I met the love of my life Tina, fell in love, and married.
Our family then moved to St. Goeorge where I worked as a full time Seminary instructor for ten years. Since then we have moved to Washington State where I teach Institute and coordinate the early morning Seminary program. I love teaching and studying the scriptures with the youth of the Church.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 29, 2014
This book is awesome!! We just flip through the pages and pick a question (or four) to talk about each night. My kids (9 and 7) love it! But I can see how teenagers would love it, too.
February 9, 2015
Kids starting bringing this to the table during meals, the enjoyed it so much.
April 21, 2014
How do you change the world? It’s a question raised in the introductory pages of Table Talk, a new release by John and Tina Bushman, and the suggested answer is one we all can guess—begin with yourself, and you will affect your family, who in turn will eventually impact the world.
It sounds simple enough in theory, but even the closest and the most vigilant of families can eventually reach a point of conversational impasse, where over scheduled lives and generational differences of opinion slow the flow of sharing to a trickle, and reduce the depth of topics covered to brief exchanges about the necessities of life.
Enter the Bushman’s book of thoughtful conversation starters, touching on some of the most important topics of our day—patriotism, values, faith, and fun. From individual self-reflection to breaking the ice at a large family fireside, Table Talk facilitates thought, and opens lines of communication through a non-threatening format that feels like a game.
The Bushmans drew upon John’s fifteen years of experience as an educator and youth speaker, and Tina’s experiences with their own family, when crafting the questions. The Bushman’s explain their reason for writing the book:
John and I feel that Table Talk can be so helpful to families trying to establish healthy lines of communication through fun and insightful questions. We hope it will give parents a tool to get their kids talking and to help parents teach values in an informal way. As children develop a pattern of talking with their parents about a wide range of topics, they will be able to turn to their parents in times of great need. As our kids are “dished up” and “served” many positive and negative values each day from so many different sources, family discussions can help children learn their families’ values and expectations more clearly. It is in the home where these things need to be taught.
Three important tips or guidelines are provided to help parents avoid the pitfalls that stifle conversation and open sharing. A 1984 study by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints found that when partnered with religious activity in the home, such interactions have the most critical impact on the development of values and plans in children.
Table Talk’s insightful questions inspire a variety of uses, from husband/wife sharing, to group family discussions, Family Night getting-to-know-you games, and as a springboard for a family fireside or testimony meeting. As an empty-nester, I was excited to get my hands on a copy. Our family is scattered across the country and our time together is precious. Having a ready-made list of hundreds of discussion topics on hand provides limitless opportunities to draw the family together, reconnect, and grow closer.
Could families compile such a collection of questions themselves? Probably, but will you? Having topics at the ready is half the battle, and the authors' reminders about conducting comfortable discussions on challenging topics is invaluable.
I loved this book for its potential to encourage family discussion and closeness. Table Talk would be an invaluable tool in any home It would make a great gift for any parent, and deserves a spot on every family's shelf.
Table Talk is available on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Table-Talk-Ques...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgEwMM...
February 26, 2013
Growing up, family dinner was something that we did nearly every night. We ate together and we talked. We talked about our days, we talked about life, about God and Christian principles. My parents didn't have anything to help facilitate discussion, it just happened.
We also didn't watch television during the week and I have many memories of sitting in the living room with my sisters and at least one of my parents while we all did our homework. As we studied, we talked: about assignments and questions that went with those assignments.
Today, I still hold family dinner sacrosanct and my boys end up doing homework together around the kitchen table. We talk as they study and we talk during dinner. My husband will often ask the boys about the best and worst parts of their day.
One of the things I really like about Table Talk is the discussion prompts. It's so easy to pull the book out and find a relevant question or something that prompts a different question. The book is small and can be tucked into a purse or sit unassuming on a counter. Use it in the car as a discussion prompt as you drive to school or activities.
Sample questions include: "If you could ask God one question, what would it be?" And, "If you could magically live in any time in history, when would you choose?"
Some questions are geared towards older kids, others to younger. But, all promote discussion and dialogue and encourage teaching moments with your family.
We also didn't watch television during the week and I have many memories of sitting in the living room with my sisters and at least one of my parents while we all did our homework. As we studied, we talked: about assignments and questions that went with those assignments.
Today, I still hold family dinner sacrosanct and my boys end up doing homework together around the kitchen table. We talk as they study and we talk during dinner. My husband will often ask the boys about the best and worst parts of their day.
One of the things I really like about Table Talk is the discussion prompts. It's so easy to pull the book out and find a relevant question or something that prompts a different question. The book is small and can be tucked into a purse or sit unassuming on a counter. Use it in the car as a discussion prompt as you drive to school or activities.
Sample questions include: "If you could ask God one question, what would it be?" And, "If you could magically live in any time in history, when would you choose?"
Some questions are geared towards older kids, others to younger. But, all promote discussion and dialogue and encourage teaching moments with your family.
February 25, 2013
This was a great read. While there are many books out there that feature a question and answer type of format, Table Talk goes beyond that. The questions are well thought out and encourage actual conversation, not just interviews. The topics are timely and they help bring about sharing of ideas, opinions and personal beliefs for all those participating.
In the past, when I have used books that are designed to ask questions to get people talking, my family starts to feel as though they are being needled and pressured to fill up the quiet space. They do not feel as thought their feelings and thoughts are really what matters, just answering the questions simply because they were asked. Table Talk encouraged a dialog of understanding and there were conversations, not just the parents asking a bunch of unwanted questions.
The book is small in size so that it can easily be tucked into a purse, which made it ideal for car trips.
It's a great book for people of all faiths and anyone who wants to become closer to those they love.
In the past, when I have used books that are designed to ask questions to get people talking, my family starts to feel as though they are being needled and pressured to fill up the quiet space. They do not feel as thought their feelings and thoughts are really what matters, just answering the questions simply because they were asked. Table Talk encouraged a dialog of understanding and there were conversations, not just the parents asking a bunch of unwanted questions.
The book is small in size so that it can easily be tucked into a purse, which made it ideal for car trips.
It's a great book for people of all faiths and anyone who wants to become closer to those they love.
February 7, 2013
Need help in starting a conversation?
This book will do it!
Here is just a small smattering of the fun questions from the book:
"If you had to wear the same color of clothing for the rest of your life, which color would you choose?"
"Have you ever had to put out a grease fire?"
"What kind of boat would you like to have?"
a. a sailboat
b. a ski boat
c. a canoe or kayak
d. a fishing boat
e. other
"What is the best April Fool's trick you have ever played or had played on you?"
"If God or an angel appeared to you do you think it would make you want to be a better person. Why or why not?"
Quotes are also on the pages to help further the discussions that arise from the questions.
This book would be great for the dinner table, family gatherings, friend gatherings, dates, parties, even as a post on Facebook, or on a blog.
Ask your friends one of the above questions and let the conversations roll :)
This book will do it!
Here is just a small smattering of the fun questions from the book:
"If you had to wear the same color of clothing for the rest of your life, which color would you choose?"
"Have you ever had to put out a grease fire?"
"What kind of boat would you like to have?"
a. a sailboat
b. a ski boat
c. a canoe or kayak
d. a fishing boat
e. other
"What is the best April Fool's trick you have ever played or had played on you?"
"If God or an angel appeared to you do you think it would make you want to be a better person. Why or why not?"
Quotes are also on the pages to help further the discussions that arise from the questions.
This book would be great for the dinner table, family gatherings, friend gatherings, dates, parties, even as a post on Facebook, or on a blog.
Ask your friends one of the above questions and let the conversations roll :)
March 7, 2013
TABLE TALK: QUESTIONS AND QUOTES TO START HUNDREDS OF GREAT FAMILY DISCUSSIONS ON PATRIOTISM,VALUES,FUN,AND FAITH by John and Tina Bushman is an interesting read on parenting,faith,and relationships. It is filled with great information on how to talk to your children around the dinner table. The lost art of conversation can be brought back to life with fun talks about important issues instead of youngsters on the computer,or other devices all the time. Our children are the future of our country. This book is a wonderful addition to use for family time with many helpeful questions and ideas.A must for any family. Filled with discussions on patriotism,faith and so much more. I would recommend this title. Received for an honest review from the author.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: NONE(NON-FICTION/FAMILY/PARENTING)
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction Reviews
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: NONE(NON-FICTION/FAMILY/PARENTING)
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction Reviews
April 20, 2013
I am a big believer of having a family dinner time with discussion about your day. Everyone gets a chance to talk, and discuss problems or concerns. Does this mean that I do this every night? Ummmm. No. But I do want to. Especially once my kids are all sitting at the table, not high chairs, and doing different things in their days.
I recently read a great book called table talk.. It’s filled with questions you can ask your entire family that inspire thought and discussion. I love how they bring up topics I probably wouldn’t think of on a random Tuesday night, but would love to know my kids tights on the matter. I think it would be fun to have at a large family gathering or holiday and give everyone a question to ask the group. A non cheesy getting to know you game of sorts
I recently read a great book called table talk.. It’s filled with questions you can ask your entire family that inspire thought and discussion. I love how they bring up topics I probably wouldn’t think of on a random Tuesday night, but would love to know my kids tights on the matter. I think it would be fun to have at a large family gathering or holiday and give everyone a question to ask the group. A non cheesy getting to know you game of sorts
February 19, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. The questions got me thinking and I can not wait to have family discussions at the dinner table using the questions from this book. I really liked the quotes ranging from scriptures, actors, founding fathers, and my favorites were from Ronald Reagan. I recommend this book to everyone. Just the quotes are worth getting the book for. The introduction taught me about how to listen better to hear what our children are saying and how we all learn better from sharing our own thoughts than being lectured to. Great book. www.bookreviewsandmore.com/talbletalk. I received a free digital copy of this book for a honest review.
April 7, 2013
My kids have loved having the opportunity to think about new things and talk as a family. Kids crave a connection with their parents and want to learn. This book has been a great tool for helping satisfy both of these desires. I also appreciate the ideas and topics that I don't ordinarily come up with on my own.
February 21, 2013
It sits on my dinner table. Using it every night. Surprised at my children's answers so far.
Great family fun!
Great family fun!
March 6, 2013
This book was a hit with my family. You can read the review here. http://modernmollymormon.com/table-ta...
February 5, 2013
Review originally published on www.ldswomensbookreview.com:
Dinnertime in my family often includes passing around the “conversation jar,” an old glass peanut butter jar full of strips of paper with questions and trivia designed to start family discussion. When the opportunity came to review Table Talk, I jumped at the chance, curious to see how the questions compared to our usual verbal dinnertime fare.
I was delighted to find a wide variety of subjects covered, from civil issues and practical matters (like emergency preparedness) to more personal and spiritual questions designed to explore deeper issues. I like the related quotes on each page, some of which are humorous. The day I received the review PDF I presented some of the new material to my family. The second question in the book (“Have you ever had someone close to you die?”) as well as the follow-up questions (“What were your feelings at the time? What do you believe happens to a person’s soul when they die?”) gave my husband and I the opportunity to check in with our children and discuss how they were feeling about Grandma passing away now that some time has gone by. We had a great conversation with our older daughters that went beyond the scope of those initial three questions.
The next night’s question (“My most embarrassing moment was when _______.”) provided a welcome change from the heavy discussion of the night before. My older kids had a good laugh at my expense. And, no, I’m not going to share my most embarrassing moment in this post. Let’s just say both my pride and my hands and knees were bruised that night.
I appreciate the open-ended format, especially about topics that I hadn’t considered asking my kids. “What responsibilities do individual states have?” and “If you could ask God one question, what would your question be?” are just two examples. With some questions I will have to do some research online beforehand, especially in regard to the more political and academic subjects. (Hey, it’s been a while since high school AP Government class. I’m a little rusty.)
I am excited to continue our nightly dinnertime conversations with Table Talk. I highly recommend it to families of all shapes and sizes.
Dinnertime in my family often includes passing around the “conversation jar,” an old glass peanut butter jar full of strips of paper with questions and trivia designed to start family discussion. When the opportunity came to review Table Talk, I jumped at the chance, curious to see how the questions compared to our usual verbal dinnertime fare.
I was delighted to find a wide variety of subjects covered, from civil issues and practical matters (like emergency preparedness) to more personal and spiritual questions designed to explore deeper issues. I like the related quotes on each page, some of which are humorous. The day I received the review PDF I presented some of the new material to my family. The second question in the book (“Have you ever had someone close to you die?”) as well as the follow-up questions (“What were your feelings at the time? What do you believe happens to a person’s soul when they die?”) gave my husband and I the opportunity to check in with our children and discuss how they were feeling about Grandma passing away now that some time has gone by. We had a great conversation with our older daughters that went beyond the scope of those initial three questions.
The next night’s question (“My most embarrassing moment was when _______.”) provided a welcome change from the heavy discussion of the night before. My older kids had a good laugh at my expense. And, no, I’m not going to share my most embarrassing moment in this post. Let’s just say both my pride and my hands and knees were bruised that night.
I appreciate the open-ended format, especially about topics that I hadn’t considered asking my kids. “What responsibilities do individual states have?” and “If you could ask God one question, what would your question be?” are just two examples. With some questions I will have to do some research online beforehand, especially in regard to the more political and academic subjects. (Hey, it’s been a while since high school AP Government class. I’m a little rusty.)
I am excited to continue our nightly dinnertime conversations with Table Talk. I highly recommend it to families of all shapes and sizes.
February 22, 2014
I love how easy it is to flip the book open and start a great conversation. We like to keep it out so it's easily accessible!
July 25, 2013
fun lil book to start some meaningful conversations. size makes it very portable.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews