How to run a Family Meeting

W H Y H O L D F A M I L Y M E E T I N G S ?

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.

F A M I L Y M E E T I N G S T E A C H :

• 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.

Roles

N O T E T A K E R

This should be a different person at each meeting

C H A I R P E R S O N

Take turns being the chairperson so that everyone gets a chance to lead the meeting

Rules

1. Start with a compliment

2. Discuss the items inorder

3. Keep the meeting to 20-30 minutes

4. Plan out what you willdo for fun after themeeting

5. Keep an open mind and look for agreed upon solutions

Find out how to run a family meeting by downloading the FREE 7 Days to Peace video series here...