A family meeting is ideal for parents who want their family members to be closer to each other, recognize each other's achievements, correct improper behavior, set family goals, and learn about the members' concerns, problems and plans. Learning some tips for leading a family meeting can help parents take advantage of this wonderful activity.
Healthy Children shares some useful tips for leading a family meeting. Hopefully, these tips can help your family become a happier and stronger unit in the community.
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1. Proper Timing
One of the best tips for leading a family meeting is to set a proper schedule. Make sure that every family member will be able to attend and make adjustments if there are other important matters to attend to.
Many families hold their family meetings every week in order to maintain the strength of their bond and concern for each other. Parents and their kids should also have an agreed upon length of time for each meeting.
2. Family Meetings Should Address Diverse Topics
"The meetings should emphasize both individual and family needs, goals, and accomplishments and discuss positive events and efforts," Healthy Children shares. "During the meeting parents can give allowances and praise and reward behavior progress and changes."
3. Every Member Should Be Able To Speak
Each family member should be given time to speak their mind, even the children. "Problems are better solved when one can articulate them to another person and people find solutions together," Time.com explains. Avoid sarcasm, interruptions and unhealthy criticisms.
4. Maintain Joy And Optimism
Maintaining an affectionate, joyful and optimistic tone is one of the most important tips for leading a family meeting. Stress, disappointments, problems and anxieties might come up during the family meeting. Parents should make it a rule that no one will react to any issue in an aggressive and harsh manner.
