IT'S a sad fact that many families have lost the art of conversation, and don't even take time to catch up over an evening meal any more.

Whizzing through the day, they become so set on getting the 'essentials' done that talking somehow becomes a bit of a luxury.

Even stopping to chat over a cup of tea can seem an indulgence, and all too often the kids would rather be up in their rooms anyway.

But talking is crucial to a happy, well-balanced family life - ignore it and everyone misses out.

"Talk is the glue of family life and if family members don't talk to each other, the bonds between them grow weaker," says Dr Pat Spungin, of parenting website raisingkids.co.uk

That's why Raising Kids has launched a new website - www.backtothetable.co.uk - to encourage families to share regular meals together. The site, created as part of a Back to the Table Campaign, which started on Monday, is full of useful information and advice about food and nutrition, tips on table-talk, and more.

"We all have to eat, so why not enjoy meals together and make that your family time?" says Dr Spungin.

"Sitting down together gives you chance to have fun and enjoy being part of a family. Parents can help children, and siblings can offer each other support. Far from just being a feel-good thing, family meals are essential in keeping children strong and healthy in body and mind."

For teenagers, particularly, the benefits can be enormous. A survey by Raising Kids found that 40 per cent of teenagers spend most of their time at home in their bedrooms. So it's crucial that parents carve out a bit of time that is just for the family.

"There are things teenagers don't easily talk about, like bullying, sex, relationships and school worries. If they don't feel there is a time when they can relax and talk with their family, they will turn to their peer group," says Dr Spungin.

So, however much teenagers and other offspring might grumble, it's really important you stand firm on family meals.

Start the habit early, so that as children grow up there is no argument about family meals - involve the kids in preparing the food, and remember they're never too young to help set the table.

If you are not used to eating together, introduce the idea slowly.

Switch off the TV and make sure you actually sit around a table. Have some conversation starters up your sleeve. Perhaps ask each family member the best, worst and funniest thing about their day.

Set a few rules if you have to. No teasing, poking with elbows or personal remarks. Then sit back and enjoy your food!

WHAT'SHOT

What to do if your new trim ends up as a bad hair day

YOU can't go far wrong with a quick trim or some subtle highlights, right? Wrong. Most people have been left with that sinking feeling after stepping out of the hairdresser's chair, or feeling speechless with embarrassment on the way out of the salon.

When a hairstyle or colour doesn't turn out the way you expect, you might feel you have to dismiss it and reassure yourself that it'll grow out. But hair disasters shouldn't be laughed at - at least not until they've been remedied.

After all, the damage done isn't just to our hair.

British women may change their haircut drastically twice a year, but the shock of a disastrous chop still sends us into turmoil, with 36 per cent of women admitting to having been reduced to tears by hairdressers butchering their barnets, according to research by soap manufacturer, Dove.

And while memories of perms making us look like poodles may fade, the emotional damage lives on, because the camera never lies. 48 per cent of the women surveyed say that bad haircuts have ruined photos, with 32 per cent admitting they have hidden pictures so no one can see their bad hair day caught on film.

For some women, their hairstyles have actually ruined their love lives too, with one in 10 claiming that a dodgy do has spoiled a date.

cut out all the rubbish

If warning bells start ringing when you're still in the hairdresser's chair, don't hesitate to stop them immediately.

"Ask them to explain where they are going with the haircut and what they understand the end result to be," says renowned stylist Mark Hill. "Clear communication at the consultation stage is essential to ensure the stylist knows what you want. A good hairdresser will look at face shape and hair type before making recommendations."

And even if you have left the salon, don't think the service finishes there.

"If you're really unhappy, ask for another consultation," he adds.