Ever Consider holding a Family Meeting?**  

Children learn positive social and emotional skills

when their family sits down together in a circle

and talks about how things are going at home.

The tradition of a family meeting gives everyone practice at listening, respecting differences, verbalizing appreciation, problem-solving, and experiencing that mistakes are a wonderful opportunity to learn.

Family meetings create a meaningful tradition and bond members together. 

Here’s how it works:  Since every family has different changing needs, it is helpful to find a regular time and format for all members to sit down and share together.  Family meetings are not a time when mom or dad goes over a list of dos and don’ts with their children.  It is a time to bring up a specific problem and ask everyone “What can we do about this?   What are your ideas?”  Children help make decisions and solve the myriad of little and big family problems.  Every person’s thoughts and ideas are valued.  A child under four years of age may play quietly nearby but still be included. Instead of holding a family meeting only when there is a problem, consider creating a regular tradition of connection and enjoyment as well.  Focus on building both positive interactions and figuring out how to address each other’s needs and concerns.    

                                             

Here's how it might look --

1.       Sit at a cleared table.  Less distractions = easier to focus.

       2.   Pick a leader to run the meeting.  Young or old, this position rotates.

       3.   Choose a Talking Stick (wooden spoon or smooth rock).  This item gets passed and whoever holds it gets to talk.

       4.  Start with “Gratefuls” – alternate between sharing what we’re thankful for or giving compliments. 

       5.  Agenda:  Have a central place (refrigerator door?) where members can write down or draw a picture of what is up for them (sibling bickering, family vacation ideas, sharing the bathroom, planning for upcoming week’s schedule).  Pick one or two of these issues to discuss in a family meeting.

       6.  Problem solve together:  Brainstorm how to fix the issues from your agenda.  Develop a plan of action and get agreement from all family members.  Find specific techniques at www.positivediscipline.com/articles/family-meetings

       7.  Plan for Family Fun:  Discuss the next family event or outing (popcorn and movie night on the couch, cooking together, game night by candlelight).

       8.  Discuss Chores:  At least once a month, address this hot topic.  Are agreements being kept?  Does a new arrangement need to be made?   What successes have occurred?

       9.  End with a family game, a fun dessert, a group hug.

** Learn more about these ideas from Start Small Parenting.com.  

  Use of a circle process is also being introduced and practiced in your child’s classroom through the NES BrainWise Social Emotional Curriculum.