Top Ten Reasons to Hold Family Meetings

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 by: Dan and Suzanne Bond

1. Make stronger connections among individuals and, therefore, creates a closer family.

In this very busy world, designating this time every week
is one way to ensure that family members stay connected with one
another. Relationships are living things, and must be nurtured. Family
meetings are about nourishing our relationships with the most important
people in our lives. Form the habit of connecting regularly.

2. Create family value statements and operating principles.

Family meetings give you a chance to discuss what’s
important to you as a family and to create family value statements,
which reflect your collective thoughts. Similarly, they give you a
chance to talk about how you want to operate together as a family and
treat one another, by developing family operating principles.

3. Share appreciations and give thanks for our many blessings.

This is a way to give children and adults permission to
let one another know how much they are appreciated, and to share the
many things they have to be thankful for. It is far too easy to take
the blessings in our lives, and our loved ones, for granted if we do
not form the habit of appreciating on a regular basis.

4. Improves family communication

More and more today, family members are going in
different directions and at break-neck speed. Add to this the fact that
each person is unique and perceives the world in his or her own way.
Miscommunication can cause hard feelings. It is crucial to never assume
that what you are saying is being understood the way you intended it,
or that you are understanding what others are trying to tell you.
Always take the time to check perceptions. The family meeting can be a
“rest area” where time is set aside to make certain that communications
are clear.

5. Provide leadership experience

Everyone gets a turn at leading the family meetings. This
is a great way for children to get early leadership experience. Be
certain that their contributions in this regard are honored and
respected. You will be building a confident future leader, who will
experience the joy of positive leadership.

6. Offers an opportunity to stay current regarding upcoming commitments, activities, and events.

Family meetings are wonderful opportunities to review the
family calendar, clarify who needs to be where and when, as well as who
will be taking responsibility for what. Once again, clear communication
and joint planning can relieve the ongoing stress of busy lives.

7. Gives an avenue to celebrate each other’s successes.

This is most important. Family meetings should always
contain a time to celebrate successes of each family member during the
week. These need not be big, monumental events but can simply be every
day successes. This not only creates pride and joy in daily life, but
also forms the habit in each family member of looking for the positive
in one another.

8. Provides time to plan family vacations, activities, and special events.

This gives everyone in the family a chance to give their
input into a family trip or experience, rather than the adults always
doing the planning. When the whole family is involved, everyone is much
more likely to enjoy the event. Investment in family activities, for
each member, is often directly proportional to his or her involvement
in the planning. A richer shared experience is most often the result.

9. Establish a safe, respectful environment to problem solve.

By following the family’s operating principles, and with
open and honest communication, children will learn that problems can be
discussed openly and solved respectfully together. Creating win-win
solutions takes practice, for adults as well as for children and youth.

10. Have fun together

These meetings provide a great opportunity for the family
to participate in fun family activities. As family members get to know
one another better, share stories, laugh, and problem solve together,
deeper relationships develop. Try to weave fun into every family
meeting.

Copyright 2004 by CoachVille & Dan and Suzanne Bond

Duplication, with attribution, permitted and encouraged. www.CoachvVille.com

From CoachVille’s “Awesome Dads, dare to be a hero!” community.

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About the Author

Dan and Suzanne Bond

As a school teacher, high school principal, and superintendent, I worked for many years with parents who were raising their children. I have boy/girl twins who will be seniors in high school next year. It is my strong belief that ALL parents want to be good parents. Being a mother of twins and a working mom most of my career, I know the feeling of a busy schedule coupled with the desire to make meaningful connections with children. It is my desire to help parents/caregivers make those connections with their children and share character-building values with them as well.

I earned by doctorate degree from Seattle University in 1982. I recently retired from the superintendent's job and work just part time as a coach to people who studying to become principals and superintendents. I am excited to provide this same kind of support to parents and other educators who may learn of my services.

su.dan@verizon.net

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