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.
Comments