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Family Councils That Work
by Judy Wright
Family Councils That Work
©2006 Judy H. Wright, Parent Educator, Missoula, MT 59801
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A family meeting or council is a regularly scheduled gathering of all family members. Its purpose is to make plans and decisions, set goals as a family, provide encouragement and have fun together. This is a good place to discuss household chores and upcoming activities. It is also a great place to try out new skills and ideas in a safe environment. Wise parents use this time for modeling and teaching communication, inter-personal, and life skills that will enable all members of the family to succeed in endeavors outside the family unit. It is a set aside time when every one in the family shares their hopes, dreams and accomplishments.
It is not a time for conflict, criticism or complaints. In a democratic family, decisions that affect the entire family are made together. That does not mean that the children are expected nor allowed to run the family, but it does mean that their input and ideas are welcomed and discussed in a respectful way. When family members are allowed to share in decision making they have more "ownership" of the plan.
A typical family council might be held on a Sunday night from 7-8 with plans for playing board games afterward. Some families hold theirs over breakfast in a restruant. Every family is different, but there needs to be at least one hour a week where it is just "our time". That means no friends, telephone, TV or interruptions of any kind.
It is a special time to really cement strong communication lines with each other and to reinforce how important each family member is to the whole.
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