What we’re missing
Good morning. I’ve been thinking about how easy it is to miss the little moments happening right in front of us.
A funny story at dinner. A kid who suddenly opens up. A conversation that starts silly and somehow turns meaningful.
The problem is that we can’t see what’s there when we’re rushing, scrolling, or thinking about what comes next.
Today, we’re sharing a few ways to bring more laughter, connection, and Halloween fun to your family.
And a little reminder that the people right in front of us deserve our full attention, too.
Now, pull up a chair. We saved you the best seat.
The FREE Halloween Left Right Game Printable turns a simple story into a fast-paced party game
It’s filled with surprises, laughs, and plenty of switching sides! Over 25,000 readers have been loving these easy, seasonal stories this year. I bet you will too.
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TABLE WISDOM
“The best thing you can spend on your children is your time.” — Louise Hart
Readers are loving…
Think Halloween games are just for little kids?
Think again! These games for teens will stop the eye rolls and bring on the laughs instead.
Would you rather spend the night in a haunted house… or wake up trapped in a giant pumpkin?
Get ready for some ridiculous choices, surprising answers, and conversations that might reveal a little too much about your family and friends!
🧙♀️ What’s Your Magical Name?
Print it out (it’s free right on the post). Then, let everyone find their magical name, and see what hilarious, mysterious, or downright spooky names appear.
STORIES FROM THE TABLE
The Dinner Challenge That Changed Everything
On Monday, the Jones family made a deal.
No phones at dinner for one whole week.
The first night felt awkward. Dad kept reaching for his pocket. Mom wondered if she was missing an important email. The kids complained that dinner was boring.
But then someone asked, “What was the funniest thing that happened today?”
Suddenly, everyone had a story.
By Wednesday, they were laughing so hard that milk nearly came out of someone’s nose.
They learned about a friendship problem, a secret school crush, and a work story Dad had never thought to share.
On Friday, their youngest asked, “Can we keep doing this even after the challenge is over?”
Everyone looked around the table. No buzzing. No scrolling. Just faces, laughter, and the people they loved most.
Mom smiled. She’d started the challenge hoping her family would spend less time on their phones.
She hadn’t expected to discover how much she’d been missing.
Sometimes, the best way to reconnect with the people you love is to put down what’s in your hands.
And reach for the people right in front of you.
CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK
Can your family go five nights this week without phones at the dinner table?
Here’s how to make it happen:
- Put all devices in a basket in another room before dinner.
- Eat together without screens or notifications.
- Ask a question, share a story, or simply see where the conversation goes.
- Repeat for five nights!
AFFIRMATION OF THE WEEK
I choose connection over distraction.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What’s one time this week when you could put your phone down and really tune in to the people around you?
SOMETHING TO CHEW ON
What country is considered the birthplace of Halloween?
Find the Halloween trivia answer at the bottom of the email.
TABLE TALK
I’d survive in the movie Scream because I don’t answer the phone ever.
Trivia answer: Ireland
The moments that connect you are happening right now. You just have to be present for them.
Thank you for sitting with us. I hope you enjoyed today’s edition. If you have anything at all you’d like to share, ask, or say, just hit reply. I’d love to hear from you.
I appreciate you!
See you tomorrow at the table,
Jenn Kropf
Founder of Healthy Happy Impactful