Growing Up Chico Spring 2021

goal planning, awards, allowance, family financial talks/ decisions, as well as problem solving.

3. Give everyone time to share. Yes, this means even the littlest family member will get to weigh in on the family discussion! One of the biggest needs of children is to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. What better way to show them that they belong than giving them a voice at the table. We as parents need to make a huge effort to listen to what our kids are sharing during this time and find ways that we can validate our children’s needs. This does not mean give them what they want. It simply means that we can empathize and acknowledge how they are feeling. This setting provides a safe place for our kids to express scary negative emotions.

4. Assign responsibility and discuss the means of measurement. Have you ever left a meeting and said to yourself, “Well that was a waste of time!”? Time is such an important commodity, and we want to be sure to honor each family member. When your family meeting is over, each person should have one action item and a way that they will be held accountable for that action item. An example of this might be a family meeting to discuss an upcoming trip.

One child might be assigned the task of researching places to visit, and the other child can create a family packing list.

Place a time-frame on the task and come back together to share. Remember the assignment does not always have to be correction based. Do not fall into the pits of negativity and always be looking for what is going wrong. Find what is going well!

5. Celebrate! Family meetings should not be 100% focused on fixing problems or discussing tough topics, although those items are important. Each family meeting should have time scheduled to build one another up. Some great ideas to try include: sharing how you saw one another use their strengths since the last family meeting, award humorous prizes that can be voted on by all family members, play fun music and have a 5 minute dance party, dress up when attending the family meeting, or serve a special treat during the family meeting. Anything that encourages connection and joy within the family will make the overall experience more enjoyable for all. This will also motivate you to consistently schedule family meetings; it is a time to have fun as well as motivate our kids and align the family goals.

Family meetings are a powerful tool for both parents and children. If you are interested in incorporating your parenting strengths or the strengths of your children into your next family meeting, please visit my website www.shineonfamily.com and click on the button that says “Take the Incredible Parent Assessment.”

Kelly McGinnis is a “Certified Bring Baby Home Educator” and “Certified Incredible Coach.” She has been helping parents for the past 14 years. She enjoys helping parents move from frustration to fascination and restore joy and peace to homes across the country.

She is married and has the privilege to be called Mom by her three beautiful girls. To find out more about all that Kelly offers, please visit www.shineonfamily.com.