Productive Family: Why Family Meeting Matters

You want to hold a family meeting, but aren’t sure how to go about doing it. There’s a serious discussion that needs to be put on the table, but you don’t know how to approach it. Something major is about to create a big change in your family but you are afraid to approach the subject with your children.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, you aren’t alone. Moms and dads everywhere are finding it increasingly difficult to conduct productive family meetings. Conversation and communication is drying up across the country. It’s time to put an end to this. The following tips will set you on the right path towards constructive, meaningful family meetings.

Pick the right time.

The first, and quite possibly most important start, is to choose the best time for your family meeting. It is imperative you decide on a time when all members of your family are available and present for the meeting. Otherwise, you are dooming yourself to failure before you even begin.

Create the right kind of environment.

Once you have a time and date set for your family meeting, your next step is to create an environment conducive to productive communication. Holding a family meeting in the living room with a television blasting the latest release fast-action thriller is not exactly a smart move. Create a calming, open, and friendly space so your family will feel comfortable and relaxed as your talks begin.

Set the tone.

Now it is time to set the tone for your family meeting. The best way to prevent arguments and misunderstandings is to know exactly what your family needs to discuss before the meeting ever begins. One possibility is to begin your family meeting by asking each family member in turn to state what topic they would like addressed at your present meeting. Once your agenda has been set, begin the meeting.

The most important thing to remember about family meetings is that you will not always be able to come to a conclusion on every topic tackled. There will be instances when discussions need to be prolonged, or even continued at length on an individual basis. Using your best judgment in such matters will help you have more productive family meetings as well.