Family Meetings: Three Ways to Conduct a Successful Family Meeting.
Reduce stress, improve family dynamics and get everyone on the same page.
This masterclass article is the third in the six-session Special Series -How To Build A Strong, Resilient Family (Especially When You're busy).
Catch the previous three sessions.
I’m a big fan of family meetings.
I always have been. I’ve seen them work so well.
I’m not a fan of the word “meeting.”
It sounds formal.
It also sounds like ‘ hard work.
But done well, they are a great platform for communication; a terrific way to teach kids how to manage conflict (and reduce the number of sibling fights) and a fabulous vehicle for a more connected household.
Significantly, by providing a dedicated space for everyone to be heard, these meetings can also reduce stress and improve family dynamics.
They also provide a terrific vehicle to get both parents on the same parenting page, which is a massive bonus.
They are not for everyone.
Family meetings aren’t for everyone.
They work best for parents who want to involve their kids in the decisions that impact them and their family life; they’re terrific for busy families who struggle to get together; and great for parents who want to develop leadership skills and mindsets in their children.
They won’t work if you struggle to let go of controlling every aspect of family life; and they won’t work if you don’t think kids are capable of impacting positively through a meeting process.
If you’re still with me, that’s great. Let’s continue with the session. If not, that’s okay. You’ve saved some time.
So let’s look at what’s to be covered.
I will cover three specific meeting types that you can conduct - I’m sure you’ll find one that suits you - and how to get buy-in from kids and adults who don’t want to participate.
I’ll also look at the question, I’m often asked: “Should the decisions made at a family meeting be binding?”
Are you ready?