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How to Have a Family Meeting

Why and how to gather your brood for regular discussions.

 

In The Brady Bunch, Mike Brady would round up his wife and kids for a meeting any time there was a big issue to discuss. Well, family meetings work in real life, too. Experts say they're especially helpful for ADD families.

Gather your brood together on a regular basis - perhaps once a week for 20 minutes. Here are some guidelines:

Have an agenda. Post it on the refrigerator one day before the meeting, so each family member has an opportunity to add to the list.

Give everyone a chance to speak without interruption. Use a timer, if necessary, to ensure that everyone gets an opportunity.

Designate a note-taker. Have someone jot down what was discussed, along with any decisions that were made. Review these notes at the next meeting.

End each meeting with something special - a dessert, a favorite board game, or some other treat.

2 Comments:

  • Posted by Diana R - Apr 16 2008 @ 10:02 PM
    Meeting Problems
    I have 6 children, with 4 adult children at home; ages 30, 25,23, and 20. Three of them have ADD, and so do I. We stuggle often to get things done, to work harmoniously, and focus on the solutions rather than the problems. Even as adults, we still struggle with symptoms of ADD. Over the years, I've had a gazillion family meetings. I found that one of my sons pays better attention if he doodles on paper while we are meeting. As long as he's picking up the ideas and positively contributing, I know he is present. Even adults have trouble sitting through meetings for periods of time. One boss I know hands out scruncci balls, pipe cleaners, and modeling clay for participants. When we can burn off excess energy in a "mindless" way, it allows us to pay attention and better absorb what's being discussed. I say give your son something to do with his hands and keep reinforcing positive behavior any way you can. There were times I thought nothing got through to my 25 yr old, but in the last few years, I can see that he has internalized good values that I persisted in modeling and talking about. Don't give up!
  • Posted by Trigger4 - Feb 8 2008 @ 2:01 PM
    Meeting Problems
    I love this idea about having a weekly meeting. The problem I have is that both my older kids want to be the center of attention all the time. My 11 y/o son is the main distraction. He interupts and can rarely be serious about anything. He has n ot been medically diagnosed with ADHD but has all the signs and symptoms. Any ideas on how I can make the meetings barable for us and effective for him? When he interupts others, or is disrespectful how do we deal with this? He is not otherwise a "bad" child persay. He has a very sweet nature he just has the ADHD. Please Help!
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