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Family
Top Ten Reasons to Hold Family Meetings
By Dan Bond, Ph. D. 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
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.
Duplication, with attribution, permitted and
encouraged. www.CoachvVille.com
From CoachVille’s “Awesome Dads, dare to be a hero!” community.
Check us out at: http://dbc593.cvcommunity.com
su.dan@verizon.net |
