Minnesota #1 for Disrespectful Dining—Here’s How I Fixed It At My House

Have you ever gone to lunch with someone who spent the entire time staring at their phone? Whether they realize it or not, that behavior sends a clear message that you aren't important to them.

We all struggle with phone addiction, but the inability to set a device aside to engage with friends and family is just downright disrespectful. According to a recent study by HelloFresh, Minnesotans are surprisingly the worst offenders.

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The Data on "Distracted Dining"

The meal-kit company surveyed Americans to see how often we truly unplug during meals. The results were eye-opening:

• 30% of Americans rarely or never have an undistracted breakfast.
• 28% feel the same about lunch.
• 21% can’t even put the phone away for dinner.

Worst of all? Minnesota ranks dead last. The study found that Minnesotans are the least likely of any state to put down their phone and enjoy a distraction-free meal.

Minnesota Ranks #1 for Distracted Dining—Here’s How I Reclaimed My Table.

My family has a strict "no-electronics" rule at the dinner table. However, when my kids were younger, I realized that just removing the phones, tablets, TVs, etc. wasn't enough. I needed to actually get them engaged.

I got tired of the standard "Fine" or "Okay" responses when I asked about their day, so I introduced the "High-Low" game:

• The High: Each person has to share a highlight from their day, and we celebrate it as a family.
• The Low: Each person has to share a lowlight, and we talk through the challenge together.

When we started, the kids were too young to realize I was just trying to get them to open up. Now, it’s something they look forward to and oftentimes lead. In a world full of digital distractions, this simple tradition carves out 20–30 minutes where we focus solely on each other.