Official Review: Table Talks and dashboard conversations

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 11 Jul 2020, 14:29

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Table Talks and dashboard conversations" by Michael DeLeon, Darla DeLeon, Shaina Afful.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Table Talks and Dashboard Conversations by Michael DeLeon, Darla DeLeon, and Shaina Afful is a collection of over 365 conversation prompts to strengthen communication between parents and their children. Drawing from the statistic that kids who eat dinner with their parents five times a week are less likely to experiment with alcohol and drugs, the authors focus on using the prompts to have "...five meaningful conversations a week, in a distraction-free zone." The guide explores relevant topics, including self-identity, relationships, sex education, bullying, drug addiction, emotional health, core values, and setting goals and can be discussed anywhere from the breakfast table to the car. The book also includes 96 family field trips to further deepen the parent-child relationship and reinforce the week's 3-minute conversations.

Although I read the 183-page PDF format, the spiral-bound version available on Amazon features a colorful cover, motivational quotes, and corresponding drawings and photographs that encourage participation. The conversation topics are organized by the month. For example, October addresses "Bullying, Cyberbullying, and Internet Safety"; the conversation for October 29 involves discussing social media platforms like TikTok and Snapchat and considering their potential for both good and bad. The guide includes daily conversations for five days of the week, reserving the remaining two days for family field trips.

As a parent and grandparent, I found that some of our most meaningful conversations took place while we were doing something together as a family. As a result of this experience, there were two features I appreciated about this book that stood out equally: the suggested 3-minute conversation length and the family field trips. Ideally, the prompt may develop into a longer conversation, but keeping it brief prevents the parental tendency of crossing over into lecturing, which more than likely will be tuned out. After homeschooling three children, I have planned many field trips, so I was impressed by the authors' creative suggestions. Visiting an escape room, sitting in on a county hearing, volunteering at a recovery center, and making a gift basket for a neighbor are several examples of activities that reflect thinking outside of the box.

There isn't anything about the book's content that I dislike, but despite its fun appearance, it doesn't appear to have been professionally edited. I counted over 20 errors in the first 22 pages, and the numerous capitalization and punctuation errors persist throughout the book. Unfortunately, the capitalization of random words like "Friend" and "Hike" becomes distracting. Likewise, it sets a poor example for young readers who may happen to read portions along with their parents.

Overall, I rate Table Talks and Dashboard Conversations 3 out of 4 stars. However, with a thorough round of editorial polishing, it has the potential to earn the highest rating. I recommend the informative book to parents, grandparents, and educators desiring to deepen communication with the kids in their lives.

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Table Talks and dashboard conversations
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Priyanka2304 · Post by **Priyanka2304** » 14 Jul 2020, 00:56

This book holds power to bridge the gaps between the generation. I hope this book brings in the required impact on the targeted audience.

Rodel Barnachea · Post by **Rodel Barnachea** » 14 Jul 2020, 02:23

This would be perfect for parents who want to deepen their relationship with their children. Thank you for your brilliant review!

Dunamis_James · Post by **Dunamis_James** » 14 Jul 2020, 10:34

As a parent i find this book interesting and a must have. Having a family bond is very important to everyone in the world.

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 14 Jul 2020, 11:03

Priyanka2304 wrote: ↑14 Jul 2020, 00:56 This book holds power to bridge the gaps between the generation. I hope this book brings in the required impact on the targeted audience.

Thanks for your comment.

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 14 Jul 2020, 11:04

aaurba wrote: ↑14 Jul 2020, 02:23 This would be perfect for parents who want to deepen their relationship with their children. Thank you for your brilliant review!

You're welcome. I appreciate your comment.

Selma8 · Post by **Selma8** » 14 Jul 2020, 14:05

It's really great book it inspired me a lot especially when I'm depressed

Joseph_ngaruiya · Post by **Joseph_ngaruiya** » 14 Jul 2020, 14:51

This book is a perfect fit for every modern family. The author should work towards it being corrected. I enjoyed reading in between the lines.

Elvis Best · Post by **Elvis Best** » 14 Jul 2020, 15:47

This book sounds like a helpful guide for both parents and grandparents. I enjoyed reading your review. Thanks!

Nwaogazie Goodness · Post by **Nwaogazie Goodness** » 14 Jul 2020, 15:55

The topics covered in this book interests me. I might give this a try

Chinelookeke · Post by **Chinelookeke** » 14 Jul 2020, 17:10

Family bond is everything. Thanks for this wonderful book because it will help bring lots of families together. Awesome job.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 14 Jul 2020, 18:48

The sheer number of errors is disappointing. I hope that the author can edit it better. If you have parents or are caregivers to children of any kind, this would be perfect. It sounds like it has lots of good advice and conversation starters. Thanks!

Dayodiola · Post by **Dayodiola** » 14 Jul 2020, 20:13

A happy relationship is in communication. Children don't know until they are told or witness first-hand. Be the parent that your children hold in high esteem, for the knowledge you have impacted them.

Rodel Barnachea · Post by **Rodel Barnachea** » 26 Jul 2020, 00:32

Cecilia_L wrote: ↑14 Jul 2020, 11:04
aaurba wrote: ↑14 Jul 2020, 02:23 This would be perfect for parents who want to deepen their relationship with their children. Thank you for your brilliant review!
You're welcome. I appreciate your comment.

Yeah, thank you for replying. I also appreciate you replying back.

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 27 Jul 2020, 06:55

Dunamis_James wrote: ↑14 Jul 2020, 10:34 As a parent i find this book interesting and a must have. Having a family bond is very important to everyone in the world.

Thanks for your comment.