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If my house were not right with God, surely he would not have made with me an everlasting covenant, arranged and secured in every part; surely he would not bring to fruition my salvation and grant me my every desire.
2 Samuel 23:5 (NIV)
It is well known that children listen better once they feel heard and understood. As parents, we are always working toward teaching our children life skills and characteristics that they will need as adults. One way to accomplish all those things is to hold regular family meetings. Children will learn and practice problem solving, communication, respect, kindness, accountability and cooperation.
In order for family meetings to be most effective I recommend scheduling them on the calendar and respecting that time. Also set out the agenda before hand so family members can add their issues to the list. Reinforces to children that their problems are important and will be dealt with. Keep your meetings short and to the point, no need to drag them on.
A common family meeting agenda:
- Appreciation and gratitude
- Old business
- Problem solving
- Scheduling
- Fun activity together
Showing appreciation or gratitude towards one another is a great way to start a meeting. It sets a positive tone for the meeting and brings everyone closer together.
When talking about old business, any action items or decisions from previous weeks should have a quick check in if needed. If you have a time limit for your family meetings then anything that wasn’t addressed last week could dealt with first. Often times those items have been sorted out throughout the week on their own. I still recommend that you check in with everyone as it reiterates to your children that you value their important issues.
Problem solving is a chance to address any issues or problems that the family feels they need to deal with. This could be about chores, a fight, personal issues, or planning. The goal here is to focus on solutions. No one is in trouble, it is not a place for blame or shame. Have one family member write down all the brainstorm solutions. Go around more than once to allow everyone a chance to share an idea. Then either choose a solution by consensus or have those most involved choose a solution they would like to try. You can try their solution for a while and then go back in another family meeting to evaluate if it worked or needs some adjustments.
We all lead busy lives and it is important for everyone to be aware of what is happening with other family members. Reviewing the schedule for the week helps children with rhythm and predictability. They are not always left wondering what will happen next. This is a great opportunity to work out any scheduling difficulties too. Families also need to have fun together so take time to plan and schedule some fun events.
End your meetings with a fun activity that you can do together. Family meetings are most effective towards bringing the family together when they are relaxing and enjoyable. When you are already gathered together try to end the meeting with something to look forward to, such as a snack, treats, or board game. Choose an activity that connects.
Family meetings can be a useful tool to open communication with your family members and children. No matter what age your children are you can set regular times to show appreciation, problem solve and hold engaging conversation. Don’t forget to have a little fun along the way!
More Resources from Meaghan Jackson
Paperback - Joyful Motherhood: Deepen your connection with God and your children
Kindle - Joyful Motherhood: Deepen your connection with God and your children
About The Author:
Meaghan Jackson of Joyful Mud Puddles is a gentle parenting coach. She has taken her passion for bringing peaceful calm to family life and pairs that with her background in education to help parents become more confident and well equipped. As a Christian family, it is important for her to center everything on the Word of God. Meaghan has a Bachelor of Education and Engineering along with several years of teaching experience at a private school. Since having children she has homeschooled her three boys and is an advocate for the homeschool community, organizing events and leading classes. As a successful business owner and entrepreneur, Meaghan understands the difficulties that many parents go through trying to juggle it all. Her family struggles and transformation is what led Meaghan to become a parenting coach because she desires for others to rediscover the joy in parenting. What better way to describe the messy, fun exciting life of a mom with three boys than Joyful Mud Puddles! www.joyfulmudpuddles.com
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