Ssit at the table without your cell phone and its endless notifications disturbing dinner. It seems like a utopia. Nevertheless, for William and Kate Middleton it’s one rule clear and consolidated: the three children of the royal couple (George, Charlotte and Louis) have been accustomed to strictly digital free dinnersin favor of moments of dialogue, presence and authenticity. «We sit at the table and chat, it’s really important. None of our children have phones, and we are very strict about that», said Prince William, guest of the series The Reluctant Traveler by Eugene Levy on Apple TV+. King Charles’ son explained that he, his wife Kate and their children always get together for dinner: a family moment of intimacy, protected from smartphone interference.
The no cell phone dinner rule like William and Kate
As underlined by psychologist Elena Benvenuti«that of William and Kate is a powerful educational gesture. Creating spaces in which the family listens and gathers without digital interference strengthens bonds and teaches children the value of the present.
In an age of constant smartphone distractions, sharing your evening meal without the presence of technology can make a difference. Not to mention that establishing clear rules at the table or in the family serves to create security and points of reference in the little ones at home. Children understand that they are there moments dedicated to relationshipswhere communication and presence are the priority. A clear lesson is conveyed to them: give value to shared time».
The royal rule to copy: here’s how and why
A rule to copy, that of William and Kate. According to Dr. Benvenuti, «the digital free dinner represents, upon closer inspection, a real emotional workout for the whole family. Turning off phones at the table”, highlights the psychologist, “helps reactivate dynamics of mutual listening, empathy and authentic presence. The evening meal becomes like this a moment in which everyone can talk about themselves, feel seen and recognized».
And it’s not just about royal family manners, on the contrary. «The brain, when it is not distracted by notifications and external stimuli, goes into one deeper and calmer relational mode: try it to believe it. Creating a technology-free routine during meals”, concludes the expert, “is not a nostalgic and old-fashioned gesture, but rather a concrete and effective way to nourish family connection and teach your children that relationships in the flesh they are the ones to be cultivated in everyday life.”
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