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 café in their favorite bookstore. And yet
another family I know holds their weekly meeting after a
joyful round of put-put golf. This option combines family
communication and fun.

However, and wherever, your family decides to host the
meetings, remember this all-important point: Always end
each meeting with a hug!