A New Year brings new opportunities for families to strengthen connections, re-establish expectations and create open lines of communication. And family meetings are among them. Effective, efficient and positive family meetings lay the groundwork for all of the above and more to be achieved throughout the entire year.
Here are some tips on how to plan successful family meetings in 2017:
1. Unplug.
Phones, iPads, or any electronic device – unplug them all. Be unplugged throughout the duration of the meeting to make sure all are engaged in conversation.
2. Designate a speaker.
Pick one person to do the majority of the talking. Or, make a rule that one person speaks at a time to ensure that all are given the same courtesy of full attention.
3. Start on a positive note.
The only way to start a family meeting is with positivity. Give deserving compliments, acknowledge kind, creative and positive efforts and offer encouragement.
4. Be efficient.
Time is never on our side; there’s always something going on. Keep the meetings short and sweet to maintain everyone’s attention and be respectful of commitments or tasks.
5. End with fun.
Surprise the kids with a trip to their favorite ice cream shop. Play a game. Do a family craft. End the family meeting with a short and fun activity that’s sure to get the kids excited for the next one.
For more tips on family connection, click here.
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