Once upon a time, parents and kids sat down together on a regular basis to enjoy a meal and just chat. However, in this fast-paced world, family time can be scarce and, without a natural opportunity to catch up, issues can go far astray before problems are dealt with. The family meeting should be a pre-emptive strategy to help keep families on track and pulling in the same direction.
Here are some things to consider at your family meeting:
1. Before you schedule the meeting, find out if there are any issues that need each family member's attention. Simply catch up with each person, one at a time, and ask. An issue may be about one another's behaviour, chores, etc.
2. If there is an issue that is pertinent to the whole family, set a meeting time that is agreeable for everyone. Make sure everyone understands the purpose of the meeting, set an agenda, post it on the refrigerator and allow others to contribute to the list of things to be discussed.
3. Carry out the meeting with the following ground rules:
• Allow everyone a chance to talk.
• Do not tolerate put-downs or name-calling.
• Elect someone to chair. (Even a six-year-old loves making sure everyone gets a turn to speak.)
• Ask someone to take notes.
• Make sure that Mom and Dad always have final say. (Consensus-building is great, but parents should have final authority.)
