A recent survey reveals that mealtimes serve as a crucial opportunity for parents to engage with their children, despite numerous challenges. According to the study conducted by Talker Research on behalf of HP, 61% of parents consider family dinners as one of the few moments to connect without distractions. The survey encompassed responses from 2,000 parents in the United States with children in kindergarten through sixth grade.
The findings highlight several common hurdles faced by parents during dinnertime. Among the most significant obstacles are dealing with picky eaters, encouraging children to sit at the table, and the task of cleaning up afterward. In fact, 35% of parents identified cleaning up as a major challenge, while 33% cited picky eating and food complaints as an issue.
Engagement during mealtimes often proves fleeting. Although 41% of parents expressed a desire for more conversation, 77% acknowledged that dinner provides a valuable opportunity for learning. Additionally, 87% of respondents believe that small moments shared at the table can have a lasting, positive impact on their child’s development.
Dr. Elizabeth Bonawitz, an associate professor of Learning Sciences at Harvard University, collaborated with HP to develop resources aimed at enriching mealtime interactions. “Parents are juggling so much,” she noted. “But kids don’t always need hands-on activities to learn and be engaged. Light conversations, especially those built around thought experiments and generating explanations, can spark curiosity, creativity, and real understanding. It doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.”
Many parents expressed interest in incorporating more engaging activities into their mealtime routines. The survey indicated that 35% would appreciate allowing children to help choose meals, while 37% favored involving them in cooking. Other suggestions included dedicating time for storytelling (29%) and using conversation prompts to ignite curiosity (21%).
More than half of the parents surveyed indicated they would utilize printed activities featuring games, “what if” questions, or personal memory challenges to enhance the dining experience. “Mealtimes are a wonderful opportunity for connection,” Dr. Bonawitz added. “These everyday interactions are foundational for building trust, curiosity, rapport, and supporting broader cognitive development. Small, low-effort shifts such as the free Bite Size lessons from HP can transform dinner into a moment of connection and discovery.”
The survey also examined the pressures parents feel surrounding mealtime. Approximately 38% reported feeling the need to make dinnertime meaningful, while 24% admitted they often plan educational activities but fail to follow through. Notably, only 22% of parents said making time for family dinners is a struggle, suggesting that families are increasingly prioritizing this important ritual.
The survey methodology included responses from 2,000 parents, collected online from May 29 to June 5, 2025. As families navigate the complexities of mealtime, the insights from this research may guide parents in fostering deeper connections with their children during these pivotal moments.
The challenges outlined in the survey reflect a broader trend in family dynamics, emphasizing the importance of quality time spent together. As parents seek to create more engaging and meaningful mealtime experiences, the potential for positive outcomes in child development remains significant.
