^{Free Family Meeting Plan Below.}

Family meetings have earnestly changed us – for the better. Over a year ago we began a practice of ‘Family Meeting’ in our home. The first Friday evening of every month is reserved for this special time together. They have become one of the most cherished and sacred rhythms of our family life.

Why family meetings matter? Children crave connection with their parents and siblings. Family meetings allow every child to have a voice. They foster unity, trust and mutual respect. Creating a safe space where your child can share their heart with you is priceless.

We have three simple goals we aim for at each family meeting. These are informal. I have not told the kids this is the goal. However, they are the main reasons why we started in the first place. First, we need to hear one another – no interrupting and each voice matters. Next, we help one another – we problem solve and support each other. Lastly, we hold safe space – use I statements (no blame), and share your heart. Tears and laughter are welcome. What we make sure we agree is that respect and kindness have to be maintained by everyone. There is nothing that we cannot get through together.

We always end the meeting with something fun. We have surprised the kids with a marshmallow shooter, sour straw roulette, and freeze dried candies. Currently, we have been trying snacks from around the world from Universal Yums – so FUN!! You get a different country every month. It comes with history, trivia, and snacks from that country. We learn and have a blast. Want to try Universal Yum? Get $5 off your first box here – not sponsored. Keeping joy and playfulness helps us grow closer, it is light and enjoyable. We find this helpful, especially if we have had a particularly heavier meeting that day. Here are some pictures of our last box, Greece.

Looking to start family meetings in your home – wonderful! Talk with your husband and children, share your heart on why family meetings are important and set the date. For your first family meeting, I highly recommend setting “ground rules” for your meetings. What is allowed, what is not and what the goal is for meeting together. Be sure to establish that it is a safe space for all, arguing and fighting not welcome. Stay honest, respectful and supportive of what each other are feeling. I like to have a notebook and take notes. At the start of the next meeting, we review the notes and make sure we are all still working together to help one another. The first few meeting may be a bit messy, and that is okay! Maybe kids are a bit resistant, that is okay too. Staying positive and consistent, keep it light and inviting. Do not hit all the heavy things in one go. We try to limit to a positive and a negative that each of us are dealing with, feeling or experiencing. That helps us stay within an hour of meeting time.

Need help getting started? Try this FREE Family Meeting Guide!

Family meetings can be more than a tool mama – they are a space for love, learning and growing bonds that will reach beyond your living room into the future relationships within your family. Try it out, use the free guide above and feel free to share what works for you guys! Already on the family meeting train? Help us with your tips and tricks in the comment below.

Remember mama, we are all in this together, one Earnest MOMent at a time.

Love, Earnest Mom.