So I just had my first family meeting with my eight-year-old daughter, Grace. I got this idea from a virtual parenting class I took a few weeks ago with Ann Parkin Magalheas with the The Parent Practice NY. Ann mentioned that a regular family meeting is a great way to connect and help the kids feel empowered because they also have a voice at the meeting. I think most of us think of family meetings when something serious needs to be talked about. I liked the idea of not waiting for something serious to happen in order to have a family meeting. When you think about it, there’s always something to talk about in a household. So I decided to give it a try. Ann also suggested creating an invitation and an agenda which appealed to me because #1 I got to make something creative and cute #2 it does make it feel more real and formal.

My daughter was on a group chat with her friends when I gave her the invitation, she looked at it and looked up at me and gave me a thumbs up then turned to her friends and said “my mom is acting weird”. That made me laugh so hard. But sure enough she met me downstairs and we had our snacks and went through the agenda. I first started the meeting with why people have meetings. I told her we have meetings in my office because they help us to get things done, be on the same page and give everyone a chance to say what’s on their minds. She nodded in agreement. I find that kids are usually in agreement when something makes sense to them. It’s always worked out for me when I explain why we are doing what we are doing. They have the right to know anyway. I’ll never be that parent that says “because I said so”. I want her to be on board and not just going through the motion.

Well I’m happy to report that we got a lot accomplished and laughed during the process. It was a huge success! I will definitely incorporate this into my life as a parent. Open communication it’s just so important in any relationship and the relationship between a parent and child is no different. I hope you give it a try and enjoy the process as much as I did. Be well! Johanna