Family Meetings 101
Family meetings provide opportunities for feelings to be aired
and validated. They also allow younger children to feel they are
an important part of the decision-making process when it comes
to family vacations and other major and minor family functions.
Before the first meeting commences, set a few ground rules such
as:
* Speak in a calm tone. * Avoid name-calling, finger-pointing,
and sarcasm. * Turn off the TV, radio and telephones. * Allow
each person to voice his or her concerns and ideas. * Listen to
all opinions before making a decision. * If a person voices a
complaint, they must also bring to the table at least one
possible remedy to the situation.
Locations for future family meetings may also be brainstormed at
the first meeting. Here are a few examples:
* Circle Time Very simply, sit on the floor together, in a
circle. Designate an object as a "talking token". This can be a
small stuffed animal, a necklace to be worn, a hat, or any other
item that will be passed around. Whoever holds the talking token
may speak. Once they are finished, they must pass the token to
the next person.
* Restaurant Rendezvous Take turns choosing a favorite
restaurant to host your family meetings. For this option, choose
an afternoon or evening in the middle of the week, or at
off-peak times, to avoid heavy crowds. End the meeting before
dessert arrives, so everyone can indulge their sweet tooth
happily.
* Hobby Haven I know of several families who hold their meetings
at places that cater to their favorite hobbies. For instance,
one family conducts their meeting at a bowling alley. Once the
meeting is over, they enjoy bowling together. Another family
combines their gathering with their love of books, by meeting at
a caf