“This meeting could’ve been an email.” If you’ve ever said those words at work, the idea of sitting in another meeting probably sounds like a chore. But we think you’ll end up loving the meeting we talk about in this episode of the iMOM Podcast. Abby kept hearing about the benefits of having a family meeting, and she floated the idea to her husband and kids. They didn’t respond as enthusiastically as she’d hoped, so she asked Susan, Megan, and Chloe about their experiences with family meetings.
Megan and Susan reminisced about their family gathering around the table to discuss schedules and family priorities. And Chloe shared that she didn’t have meetings growing up, but she and her husband have one every Sunday now. Their perspectives give insight into the ways family meetings can grow relationships, improve communication, and strengthen a family’s identity.
For moms who want to make the most of the time they have, this episode will be right up your alley. We’ll talk about ways to have an efficient meeting as well as dos and don’ts for keeping the kids interested (hint: snacks are a “do”). One of the greatest benefits of family meetings is that they can bring peace to family life. When you know you have a meeting coming in a few days, problems that tend to bubble up can go on the agenda. For example, Abby shares a story about the family who used their family meeting to discuss the thermostat lockbox they had installed to combat the kids turning the A/C down to 65 every night. Mom doesn’t have to yell if she knows it’s a topic that’s going to be discussed at the next meeting.
Family meetings are also the perfect time to reiterate your family mission statement. If you don’t have one, check the links below. If you know your family’s mission statement, when something comes up in your meeting that raises the question, “Is this right for our family?” you can use it to get an answer that upholds your values.
Articles We Mentioned
5 Most Important Things to Do at a Family Meeting
The Secret to Great Family Meetings
Printables We Think You’ll Like
