Top Ten Reasons to Hold Family Meetings

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

About The Author

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

---

Google News Updated : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:25:37 GMT Russian Markets and Currency Hit by Georgian Conflict - Voice of America BBC News Russian Markets and Currency Hit by Georgian Conflict Voice of America - 1 hour ago By Peter Fedynsky Russia's currency and stock market have suffered substantial losses since the outbreak of hostilities in Georgia three weeks ago. Video: UN does have double standards RussiaToday Georgia to sever ties with Russia Jerusalem Post AllAfrica.com - BBC News - Aljazeera.net - United Press International all 6,295 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:07:28 GMT Consumer Spending Slowed in July - New York Times Boston Globe Consumer Spending Slowed in July New York Times - 1 hour ago By CATHERINE RAMPELL Consumer spending slowed for the second consecutive month in July and personal income fell as the effect of economic stimulus checks tapered off and inflation lingered, the Commerce Department said Friday. US Economy: Consumer Spending Slows, Inflation Accelerates Bloomberg WRAPUP 2-US consumer spending flags, but confidence rises Reuters guardian.co.uk - Forbes - AFP - MarketWatch all 408 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:42:16 GMT Ed Rollins: Sarah "Barracuda" Palin is a strong choice by McCain - CNN Telegraph.co.uk Ed Rollins: Sarah "Barracuda" Palin is a strong choice by McCain CNN - 38 minutes ago By Ed Rollins Editor's note: Ed Rollins, who served as political director for President Reagan, is a Republican strategist who was national chairman of Mike Huckabee's campaign. Video: McCain-Palin Rally in Dayton, Ohio CSPAN Sarah Palin a risky VP choice for John McCain Los Angeles Times ABC News - Washington Post - Reuters - Newsweek all 3,554 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:47:09 GMT The CDC Reports That Massive Salmonella Outbreak Is Over - Newsinferno.com Boston Globe The CDC Reports That Massive Salmonella Outbreak Is Over Newsinferno.com - 1 hour ago The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported that the massive Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak that sickened about 1400 people across the country appears to be over. CDC calls the salmonella out-break finished The Packer Salmonella Outbreak Ends With Questions New York Times Los Angeles Times - CNN - Daily Green - eFluxMedia all 625 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:14:35 GMT Police arrest man in Eagle Rock kidnap and rape - Los Angeles Times Police arrest man in Eagle Rock kidnap and rape Los Angeles Times - 1 hour ago After a monthlong search and a DNA match, Los Angeles police make an arrest in the July 26 assault on a woman who had been waiting at a bus stop. Driver Booked on Suspicion of Murder in Possible Road Rage Crash ... FOXNews Police suspect road rage in crash that killed 3 San Diego Union Tribune Long Beach Press-Telegram - San Jose Mercury News - abc7.com - Press-Enterprise all 95 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:22:26 GMT Pentagon disputes reports of 90 Afghan civilians killed in US ... - Christian Science Monitor Washington Post Pentagon disputes reports of 90 Afghan civilians killed in US ... Christian Science Monitor - 3 hours ago Officials say only five civilians died in last week's attack, but UN, Afghanistan say 60 children died in the strike. By Arthur Bright A Pentagon inquiry has found that a controversial US airstrike in Afghanistan resulted in only five civilians deaths, ... Pentagon Reports US Airstrike Killed 5 Afghan Civilians, Not 90 Washington Post New charges arise about disputed raid in Afghanistan Minneapolis Star Tribune USA Today - CNN - CNN International - New York Times all 2,955 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:46:36 GMT Electric fault spurs big GM recall - Reuters Driving.ca Electric fault spurs big GM recall Reuters - 1 hour ago DETROIT (Reuters) - General Motors Corp is recalling 857735 vehicles equipped with a heated windshield wiper fluid system for a potential short-circuit problem, according to federal safety regulators. GM recalling 944000 vehicles The Associated Press GM recalls 944000 vehicles for fire hazard CNN WXYZ - The Plain Dealer - cleveland.com - Autoblog - Edmunds.com/Inside Line all 394 news articles Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:08:03 GMT RSS to HTML Website Traffic Promotion

PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts, Websites, and more...

Adsense websites

Educational Jigsaw Puzzles, How Educational Are They?

Many companies advertise their products as being educational. How much... Read More

How to Deal with Your Child?s Inappropriate Behaviour

Children bombard parents with many challenging behaviours. We are delighted... Read More

The Importance of Mothers

Moms, did you ever question your value as a role... Read More

My Children

I have been a single mom for almost 20 years.... Read More

Should Your Child Watch TV News? Surprising Opinions of Top Anchors

KIDS AND THE NEWSMore than ever, children witness innumerable, sometimes... Read More

How Two Quarelling Kids Helped Invent the Better Behavior Wheel

When David was nine and Laura was twelve, the battles... Read More

Parenting Your Teenager: Of Course You Can Search Your Teens Room

Q. We recently caught our son smoking pot, and we... Read More

The 411 on Natural Colic Remedies

Any parent whose baby has suffered from colic can tell... Read More

Entering Their Imaginative World

In dealing with children with autism spectrum disorders, its all... Read More

Public School Sex-Education Classes --- Bad News For Parents and Children

One of parents' most important duties is to protect their... Read More

ADHD Treatment: Strategy and Philosophy

If your child or teen has been diagnosed with Attention... Read More

Pay Attention! Its Your Most Important Job

Anyone can become a parent; there are no tests or... Read More

Guide To Choosing Educational Toys For Children

In the last few years, parents started getting more and... Read More

How Often Does Child Sexual Abuse Get Reported?

Not nearly as often as it should. Most child abuse... Read More

Non-Compliance in Your Children, Some Tips for Parents

Non-compliance is the family therapist's big word for your child... Read More

Fun Things to Do with Your Kids this Summer

10 Fun Things You Can Do With Your Children this... Read More

Aptitude, Achievement, Processing Deficit - What Does It All Mean?

You are sitting with the professionals who know about learning... Read More

Top Seven Tips To Become A Good Stepmother

Becoming a stepmother can undoubtedly be one of the most... Read More

Character Education

Every parent wants their child to develop positive character traits.... Read More

Role Models for Your Teen

By the time your children reach their teens, there is... Read More

Use Encouragement Instead of Criticism to Help Children Improve

Criticism is punitiveOur children judge themselves on the opinions we... Read More

Navigating in the New World: Parents and Teenagers Growing Together

One of the most prevalent myths of our modern culture... Read More

Raise Awesome Kids! This 4-Point Plan Gets Results

Are your children truthful, kind, and helpful? If so, read... Read More

Stress is No Kiddy Matter

Kids today no longer live the kind of privileged lives... Read More

Children are People, Not Machines

When growing up, my father frequently reminded me to "pay... Read More