What's Missing?
Introduction
Studies from the University of Michigan and findings published in Pediatrics highlight that frequent screen use during meals can actually get in the way of social and emotional growth, even leading to delayed language development in younger children. It is a tough balance to strike when you just want to enjoy your appetizer, but the long-term benefits of staying unplugged are pretty compelling.
Screen-free meals are linked to everything from higher self-esteem to better language skills. The magic happens in the connection we make when the distractions are gone. If screens have already become a staple at your table, start small with a dedicated basket or box for devices. It serves as a visual cue that this time is reserved for the people sitting right in front of you.
Playing a quick round of What's Missing? or sharing your high and low points of the day, these moments build a foundation of language and social skills. By turning the table into a conversation zone, you are not just passing the time; you are teaching your kids how to engage with the world and the people they love.
This activity is designed to keep little hands and minds busy while waiting for your meal to arrive. It uses common items found at any restaurant table to build memory, observation skills, and focus
Gather Materials
- Table Settings: A fork, a spoon, and a napkin.
- Condiments: A salt shaker, a pepper shaker, or a sugar packet.
- Miscellaneous: A coaster, a menu, or even a set of car keys.
Note: Small parts pose a choking hazard and are not appropriate for children age five or under. Be sure to choose lesson materials that you feel are safe for your child and that you are comfortable letting your child use.
Activity
- Set the Stage Gather items from around the table. You could use a spoon, a salt shaker, a napkin, a coaster, a piece of fruit, or even your car keys. Line them up in the middle of the table so everyone can see them clearly.
- Take a "Brain Picture" Tell your child they have ten seconds to look at the items and "take a picture" with their brains. Encourage them to name each object out loud as they look at it, which helps them remember.
- Close Your Eyes! Have everyone at the table close their eyes and cover them with their hands. Make sure there is no peeking! While their eyes are shut, quickly remove one item from the line and hide it in your lap or behind your back.
- Solve the Mystery Tell everyone to open their eyes and ask, "What’s missing?" The kids will look at the line and try to figure out which object has disappeared. The first person to guess correctly gets to be the "hider" for the next round
Are you looking for some conversation starters?
- I Spy: A classic observation game where one player describes a color or a specific feature of something in the restaurant, and others try to guess what it is.
- I’m Going On A Trip: A memory-building game where each person adds an item to a growing list of things they are "packing," repeating everything mentioned before their own addition.
- Would You Rather?: This serves as a great conversation starter by asking players to choose between two silly, serious, or difficult options.
- 20 Questions: One person thinks of a secret object, person, or place, while the rest of the group asks up to twenty "yes or no" questions to narrow it down.
- 2 Truths and a Lie: A fun icebreaker where each person shares two true facts and one made-up story about themselves, and the table must vote on which one is the lie.
- Gratitude Round: A simple way to shift the mood by having every person share one specific thing they feel thankful for that day.
- Rose/Thorn: Each family member shares their "rose" (the best part of their day) and their "thorn" (the most challenging part) to build emotional awareness.
- Who Knows You Best?: One person is the subject, and everyone else tries to guess their favorite color, food, or hobby to see who has the best "insider" knowledge.
- Memory Match (Verbal): A player describes a specific memory from a past family trip or event, and the others try to guess exactly where or when it happened.