Dinner Table Friendly Debate

A dinner table and willing participants

A fun, low-stakes debate topic

Announce debate night at dinner.

Present a topic: "Pizza vs. tacos?" "Cats vs. dogs?" "Should kids have homework?"

Pick sides. It's fun to argue the side you don't agree with.

Rules: 3 arguments each. No interrupting. Listen respectfully.

Model: "Pizza is better because you can put anything on it."

Prompt: "Why are tacos better? Give me a reason."

Let a family member judge the strongest argument.

High-five: "Great debate! Strong arguments!"

Debate builds persuasive language skills — the ability to make a claim and support it with reasons. This is the foundation of essay writing, critical thinking, and effective communication in every area of life.

The "no interrupting" rule teaches impulse control and active listening. Both are harder than they sound, even for adults.

Arguing the opposite side is a particularly powerful exercise. It forces your child to understand that other perspectives exist and have valid reasons — that's the beginning of empathy in communication.

Keep topics light and fun. "Should bedtime be at midnight?" generates passionate arguments without real conflict.

The phrase "because" is the magic word. Coach your child to always include a "because" in their arguments: "Tacos are better BECAUSE you can hold them with one hand."