Character Building from KidsDiscuss.com

The Family Meeting: How to Improve Grades, Homework, and Family Life

Do your children avoid homework? Would they rather relax and watch television? Find out how family meetings can promote grades, homework, and family life.

“Too often we give children answers to remember rather than problems to solve.” - Roger Lewin

Many families rush to sports, music lessons, and other appointments. When there are too many daily events the family feels scattered, out of touch with each other, and cranky. Homework slides. If this happens in your home, consider the family meeting.

The Family Meeting

Discuss the best time for homework at the family meeting. Schedule homework time. Get the children involved. Listen to their suggestions for the following:

·     Will study time be before or after dinner?

·     When to check that the homework is correct and neat?

·     Will TV or computer games be allowed after homework is checked?

·     Will there be rewards for doing the homework well, like game time with you?

Getting children to solve when to do their homework promotes their cooperation. It helps them experience the good feeling of being organized. They’ll get better grades too. Why not use the family meeting to improve homework, grades, and family life?

Want more help with family meetings? Get Jean’s ready-made notebook, the Family Meeting Diary at http://www.kidsdiscuss.com/parent_resource_center.asp?pr_id=kd006 and keep track of all your meetings. You’ll love reading about your family’s successes.

How to Use the Family Meeting to Build Family Love

Do your kids dread family meetings? Do they fear getting scolded for things they did wrong? Look inside for a special way to use the family meeting to build family love.

“The quickest way for a parent to get a child’s attention is to sit down and look comfortable.”  - Lane Olinhouse

Try This Family Love Builder

If you’d like your kids to sigh, roll their eyes and complain, start your family meetings with crabby looks and criticisms. But if you’d like your kids to smile, start it with compliments. Each person in the family compliments the others and then him or herself. Here are some sample compliments:

The Family Meeting

·     Andy, I liked how patient you were when we waited in line

·     Daniela, I smiled when you asked the new girl to play

·     Kelly, I’m pleased that you’re brushing your teeth after meals

·     Jerry, you have a creative imagination and the story you just wrote proved it

·     Dad, I like when you laugh at my jokes

·     Mom, I have fun cooking with you

I always looked forward to hearing my boys praise me. It made me feel loved and appreciated. You and your kids will love hearing compliments  too.

Avoid Negative Endings

When you start your meetings with compliments, you’ll need to teach your children how to give them. A compliment should only include positive praise. Avoid negative endings like:

·     Dad, l like when you laugh at my jokes because I know you're  actually listening to me

·     Mom, I have fun cooking with you when you’re not cranky

·     Kelly, I’m pleased you’re brushing your teeth after meals because your breath doesn’t smell as bad

 

Use the Family Meeting to Build Family Love

 

Sit down with your family. Look comfortable. Start the family meeting with compliments. You’ll be setting a positive tone for the rest of the meeting.

 

Your children will learn how to give praise too.

 

How do you start your family meetings?

 

Jean Tracy, MSS, invites you to subscribe to her Free Parenting Newsletter  at http://www.KidsDiscuss.com and receive 80 fun activities to share with your kids.

Family Meetings ~ The Secret of Dealing with Bullies

Is there a bully hurting your child? Does he poke fun of your child in front of others? Does he hit? Look inside to find out how the family meeting can help.

“The most important thing that parents can teach their children is how to get along without them. – Frank A. Clark

How the Family Meeting Can Help Your Child Deal with Bullies

How do you know when to step in? What should you do first? Consider starting with the family meeting. Of course if the bully is physically abusing your child, you must step in.

Imagine gathering the family together and discussing the bully. Go around the room asking for information. Let each child speak. Make sure no one interrupts or hogs the conversation. Discuss the following:

·     Find out what the bully does to your child

·     Ask if your child wants help

·     What do the other siblings think should be done

·     Who thinks the school authorities should be told

·     Make a plan for dealing with the bully that your child accepts

Kids love helping each other deal with problems. They don’t want bullies hurting their brothers or sisters. They also have the power to come up with great solutions. Your bullied child will feel the family support too. What a special way to bring the family close together!

How does your family deal with bullies? Share your solutions below.

Additional Help:

Solve problems together! Let my Family Meeting Book

 be your guide. Pick up my Family Meeting Diary at http://www.kidsdiscuss.com/parent_resource_center.asp?pr_id=kd006 

Family Values ~ 3 Ways Family Meetings Teach Family Values

Dear Parents,

Do your children express your family values? Or are you worried about their attitudes? Inside you'll find out how family meetings can help.

Today let's look at how family meetings teach your children the values you hold dear. Discussions are the key.

3 Ways Family Meetings Teach Family Values:

1. Let's say your 8 year old leaves his toys and clothes all over the house. In family meetings you can ask each member what they think of leaving clothes and toys around. Find out what each would do to get a messy person to pick up after himself. Listen especially to your 8-year-old. Ask him to make a commitment to pick up his things and write it down. Post it on the refrigerator.

    

2. Imagine your 11-year-old had the neighbor kids in the house when neither parent was home. More importantly he lied about it. The family meeting is the perfect place to discuss how lying breaks down trust. Again ask your 11-year-old to make a commitment to tell the truth. Write it down and post it on refrigerator as a reminder.

    

3. Pretend your 6-year-old swears using vulgar words when playing outside. The family meeting is a great place to discuss the family's views on swearing. Ask your 6-year-old to make a commitment to used better language. Write it down and post it on the refrigerator.

Can you see how the family meeting is better than lecturing, yelling, or nagging your kids to act better? At the family meeting you can take the time to discuss problems, get everyone's viewpoint, and make plans to improve. Besides making commitments to make the family better, you can chart the better behavior and give rewards too. The family meeting is a super way to teach your family values and build character. Give the family meeting a try. If you'd like to have a book filled with ready-made family meetings to fill in, pick up The Family Meeting Diary .It will become a treasured keepsake of what your family said and did.

With warm wishes for your parenting success,

Jean

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 With warm wishes for your parenting success,

Jean

Jean Tracy, MSS