Family Meeting Do's and Dont's

For those that do have family meetings you know it can be a tedious and sometimes difficult task. Family meetings are important to the family as a unit as well as to each individual. Whether we realize it or not , there are always things that need to be discussed among all family members. Here you will find a very useful list of Do's and Dont's.

DO'S:

1.) Do try and schedule a family meeting once a week or once every other week.

2.) Do keep a running tab for topics to be discussed. This includes all members of the family.

3.) Do remember that honesty is always the best policy.

4.) Do remember that everyone in the family should have some input to family matters.

5.) Do remember that every member of the family , even the littlest, should be heard and observed.

6.) Do make sure that you allow enough time for all issues to be aired and solved

7.) Do actively listen and take notes. ( You will probably need them later)

8.) Do , as the parent, establish and reestablish the rules of your home.

9.) Do take this time to designate chores and such during your family meeting.

10.) Do let the children become involved with establishing rules and chores, this is very important.

11.) Do make family meetings a safe place for children to air their grievances.

DONT'S:

1.) Don't let a month go by without the ever valuable family meeting taking place.

2.) Don't leave things to memory always write it down.

3.) Don't lie or be dishonest during a family meeting, this will only make matters worse.

4.) Don't disregard all ideas put forth by the children, some may actually be good ideas.

5.) Don't use this time to rant and rave to the children, this is for discussions and problem solving.

6.) Don't put anyone down or make anyone feel bad , remember this is a safe haven for family issues.

7.) Don't lecture , Discuss things together as a family unit.

8.) Don't be against all forms of change. Change can be a good thing.

9.) Don't dominate or allow one person to dominate the meeting. This is a family meeting and all parties should be equally involved.

10.) Don't allow arguments to take place, this is a place for grievances to be solved not argued over.