How to Hold a Family Meeting!
Every family is different and there is no such thing as a perfect family. But, despite the stressors that all families face (i.e. little time together, conflicts between family members, homework struggles), families are first and foremost a unit! Working together is key. One way to establish healthy working relationships with members of your family is to take the time for a family meeting.
Here’s what you need to get started. Find time either once a week or once a month to get all family members together. Meetings can be short (20 minutes or so) and even timed to keep on track. Sometimes, getting the whole family together can be very difficult when schedules do not coincide, but setting this time aside as family time will stress the importance of FAMILY AS A UNIT! Hey, it can even be done in the car on the way to or way home from a sports activity.
Set ground rules for the meeting. Such as, one person talk at a time. If this is difficult for some members of your family, try introducing a wacky hat and the person wearing the hat gets to talk. The next person needing to talk must put their hand on their head and wait for the hat to be passed. Another ground rule could be focusing on respecting everyone’s opinion.
During the meeting, talk about the past week. Give each member a chance to share news or plans. Or ask for suggestions of an activity the family can do together (i.e. an outing, cooking together, making crafts together, movie night, or board game night) and vote on the activity. End each meeting on a positive note. You can ask each member to say something they are thankful for. Or pass on a compliment to another family member.
Family meetings can keep your family strong!
Every family is different and there is no such thing as a perfect family. But, despite the stressors that all families face (i.e. little time together, conflicts between family members, homework struggles), families are first and foremost a unit! Working together is key. One way to establish healthy working relationships with members of your family is to take the time for a family meeting.
Here’s what you need to get started. Find time either once a week or once a month to get all family members together. Meetings can be short (20 minutes or so) and even timed to keep on track. Sometimes, getting the whole family together can be very difficult when schedules do not coincide, but setting this time aside as family time will stress the importance of FAMILY AS A UNIT! Hey, it can even be done in the car on the way to or way home from a sports activity.
Set ground rules for the meeting. Such as, one person talk at a time. If this is difficult for some members of your family, try introducing a wacky hat and the person wearing the hat gets to talk. The next person needing to talk must put their hand on their head and wait for the hat to be passed. Another ground rule could be focusing on respecting everyone’s opinion.
During the meeting, talk about the past week. Give each member a chance to share news or plans. Or ask for suggestions of an activity the family can do together (i.e. an outing, cooking together, making crafts together, movie night, or board game night) and vote on the activity. End each meeting on a positive note. You can ask each member to say something they are thankful for. Or pass on a compliment to another family member.
Family meetings can keep your family strong!