Family Meeting
Implement a family meeting and find the power of your family council! Nod your head if a typical week for you and your family includes multiple activities, a complicated color coded calendar and sometimes experienced miscommunication which results in forgotten commitments and hurt feelings. This is life, right? We are always running crazy and find that we can’t be three places at once even though the calendar said we could. Can I make a suggestion? Have you tried a weekly family council?
What is a Family Council?
Essentially it is a family meeting. The older my kids get, the busier our lives get. I remember thinking that I was busy as a college student! Then I remember feeling busy as a newlywed! Now with growing children, I have come to terms that my idea of “busy” will continue to be challenged. So, what is a Family Council? It’s simple. It’s a designated time, once a week, the family sits down to go over everyone’s upcoming week, coordinate calendars, as well as realistic expectations. It gives dad a heads up of when his work schedule needs to be adjusted to attending the piano recital and gives mom an opportunity to put on her running shoes and chauffeur hat. It also gets everyone on the same page.
Other Benefits of Family Meeting
This is also an opportune time for parents to listen and hear their children. Is there a stressful test coming up? A track meet they are nervous for or an issue at work they need advice on? This isn’t a time for lecture, it’s a time of listening to our children.
“No matter what our particular family situation is, it is critical that we understand the unique circumstances of each family member. Though we may share DNA, there may be situations and circumstances among us that may make us vastly different from each other and which may require the compassionate collaboration of the family council.
For example, all the talking and sharing and loving in the world may not solve a medical problem or an emotional challenge that one or more family members may be facing. At such times, the family council becomes a place of unity, loyalty, and loving support as outside help is enlisted in the search for solutions.” (M. Russell Ballard, Family Councils, 2016)
Time to Implement
Take a short time on Sunday evening to hold your family council (or whenever works for you) and plan your week as a family. Discuss things that members are looking forward to, events they are dreading and sync your calendars. It won’t make the week run perfectly, but it will be more likely to help it run smoothly. “Councils will give each family member a feeling of worth and importance; and most of all they will assist us to be more successful and happy in our precious relationships, within the walls of our homes.” (M. Russell Ballard)
About Balance & Harmony 360², Inc.
Owned and operated by Melinda Smith, CPO®, we offer Business Training & Consulting with a Twist! Our sweet spot is working with Entrepreneur’s and their companies to create a productive work environment, happy home, and prosperous you! Because our passion is listening to clients goals, thinking through solutions and coming up with creative 360² action plans, we realize the value in addressing work, home, and you! We also provide dynamic action oriented training to get your team motivated. Learn to Love Going to Work Again! Increase Time with Your Family! Get Things Done! Our process is simple and geared toward the professional. As a result, You CAN get your LIFE back in BALANCE!
Author, Trainer, Life Organizer®
Melinda Smith, CPO® organizes and executes action plans, training, and consulting. Great referrals are business owners, executives, and companies looking for sustainable change. Above all, she can help create a more productive work, a happy home, and a prosperous you.
Particularly relevant is the fact that Melinda has worked with companies and individuals for over 20 years. Conducting workshops across the East Coast, they include over 60 cities in 19 states. Equally important focus topics include Strategic Thinking, Teambuilding, and Organization. As well as Balance Strategies, Stress Management, and Embracing Change.
After all, Melinda was one of the first 200 in the nation to achieve a Certified Professional Organizer status. Also, she is also a graduate of the Western School of Feng Shui (pronounced feng shway).
Melinda has owned Balance & Harmony 360², Inc., since 2003. She is also the author of The Complete Guide for Balance & Harmony OWL Kit. Also, this kit consists of a book, workbook, and F.O.C.U.S. Journal as well as five products to help organize Work, Home, and You.
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