FAMILY meetings
How to run a Family Meeting BY JENNIFER
MCCALLUM
WHY HOLD FAMILY MEETINGS? Holding regular family meetings is one of the most valuable tools you can use to empower your children to learn problemsolving skills. Taking 20 minutes a week for family meetings could create peace in homes and in the world.
FAMILY MEETINGS TEACH: • Listening skills. • Brainstorming skills. • Problem-solving skills. • Mutual respect. • The value of cooling off before solving a problem. (Problems put on the family meeting agenda provide a cooling off period before focusing on solutions.) • Cooperation. (Avoid power struggles by focusing on solutions.) • Accountability in a safe environment. (People don’t worry about admitting mistakes when they know they will be supported to find solutions instead of experiencing blame, shame, or pain.) • How to find solutions that are respectful to everyone concerned. • A sense of belonging and capability. • Social consciousness. (Concern for family, others, and the environment.) • That mistakes are wonderful opportunities to learn. • Family fun. (Creates traditions and memories.)
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