Family meetings provide opportunities for feelings to be aired and validated. They also allow younger children to feel they are an important part of the decision-making process when it comes to family vacations and other major and minor family functions.
Before the first meeting commences, set a few ground rules such as:
Locations for future family meetings may also be brainstormed at the first meeting. Here are a few examples:
Very simply, sit on the floor together, in a circle. Designate an object as a "talking token". This can be a small stuffed animal, a necklace to be worn, a hat, or any other item that will be passed around. Whoever holds the talking token may speak. Once they are finished, they must pass the token to the next person.
Take turns choosing a favorite restaurant to host your family meetings. For this option, choose an afternoon or evening in the middle of the week, or at off-peak times, to avoid heavy crowds. End the meeting before dessert arrives, so everyone can indulge their sweet tooth happily.
I know of several families who hold their meetings at places that cater to their favorite hobbies. For instance, one family conducts their meeting at a bowling alley. Once the meeting is over, they enjoy bowling together. Another family combines their gathering with their love of books, by meeting at a caf? in their favorite bookstore. And yet another family I know holds their weekly meeting after a joyful round of put-put golf. This option combines family communication and fun.
However, and wherever, your family decides to host the meetings, remember this all-important point: Always end each meeting with a hug!
About The Author
Deborah Shelton is a mother, freelance writer, and author of the brand new book, "The Five Minute Parent: Fun & Fast Activities for You and Your Little Ones." Visit Deborah's website for more family-friendly ideas: http://www.fiveminuteparent.com; http://www.fiveminuteparent.com
cleaning help near Mundelein ..Children are moral and make moral determinations... at least until... Read More
She slipped her small, soft eight-year-old hand into mine. Her... Read More
In elementary school it's pretty straightforward: bringing in cupcakes to... Read More
In seminars I am often asked about pocket-money and whether... Read More
The ADD child exhibits a series of behaviors that are... Read More
A common problem many times facing parents is Colic. Estimates... Read More
Compulsory attendance laws are school authorities' first assault on parental... Read More
If your parenting methods include abuse of any kind; physical,... Read More
Q. How do I overcome the 16-year-old who does things... Read More
Many research studies have shown the overall effectiveness of stimulant... Read More
While youth gangs are nothing new -- they've been traced... Read More
A number of scientific studies have shown the way a... Read More
The debate in many towns continues throughout this country about... Read More
"I could have helped you if I would have known,... Read More
Parents play a critical role in their child's success. These... Read More
Summer Survival The... Read More
Be aware. You may become totally overwhelmed when you get... Read More
It happens every year. Just when you are settled in... Read More
"Now don't you go getting any ideas, Harold.""Don't you get... Read More
Blink. That's all we did, blink, and summer is ending... Read More
By not planning for the future we guarantee that we... Read More
Just two days ago, another 15-year old child was added... Read More
It can be difficult on all family members to have... Read More
Most of our Founding Fathers, including Ben Franklin, Sam Adams,... Read More
"Hugging is healthy: it helps the body's immunity system, it... Read More
reliable maid service Wilmette ..The brightly colored plastic mobile dangles lazily overhead in the... Read More
There is no doubt that mothers play an all-important leading... Read More
Strollers offer a wonderful and convenient service to parents and... Read More
Many parents struggle to know which foods are healthy for... Read More
You are sitting with the professionals who know about learning... Read More
Our children are our most important legacy to the world.... Read More
Well first off, please to don't institute the ? hour... Read More
Last week in my newsletter, I mentioned that... Read More
Reasearch into children's friendships shows that those children who are... Read More
Do you have a wild child? Then this article may... Read More
Even if your teenagers do not use drugs, you still... Read More
If you're a single parent or a married couple on... Read More
Fall marks the beginning of many new things both for... Read More
My son is 6 yrs old. He came home the... Read More
I am crying tears of joy mixed with great sadness... Read More
As the new school year begins, parents play a pivotal... Read More
I am sure that this list can be jogged and... Read More
According to researchers, most children enter school with a good... Read More
At age seven months in the womb, humans begin language... Read More
Ah, potty training! Go to a local bookseller and you... Read More
So you're pregnant. Congratulations! Your life is about to change... Read More
Learning obedience is an important part of child development. This... Read More
More and more parents are expressing their concerns about how... Read More
A learning disability is defined as a permanent problem that... Read More
They Spur Members To Grow EmotionallyTatiana Tannenbaum grappled with a... Read More
Parenting |