Family Meetings Encourage Positive Communication

by Nora Rhoades, Family and Youth Development Agent

 

Organizing a meeting promotes positive communication, decision-making, and problem-solving. Getting into the habit of having a regular meeting may sound intimidating, but incorporating this strategy into your family’s routine will offer great reward.


Here are some tips that encourage a positive meeting experience:

• Plan to meet the needs of the group majority. At the same time, be proactive and try to accommodate everyone’s needs (i.e. disability, medical concern, etc…).
• Let family members decide the best place and time to meet. Schedule with plenty of notice so individual arrangements can be made.
• Use an agenda to outline discussion topics. Distributing this to the group prior to the meeting allows individuals come prepared and focused.
• Clearly identify who should attend in order to best accomplish the desired goals.
• Set ground rules to help balance expectations and provide structure. 
• Some possible rules may be:
• Begin and end on time.
• No electronic use during meeting.
• Respect everyone’s opinion.
• Decisions will be made by majority vote of those present.
• Accept and support group decisions.
• Practice confidentiality.

• Effective meetings include elements of fun, business, and learning. To include all three elements you could:

1. Gather for a meal and fellowship.
2. After eating, conduct business according to the agenda.  
3. Adjourn the business portion of the meeting and play board games together.

Developing a unique strategy for communicating, making decisions, and solving problems is necessary for your family’s success in both the short- and long-term. If you are interested in incorporating meetings into your family’s routine, feel free to contact your local Extension Office for additional resources.