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FAMILY MEETINGS

A GRAND ROUNDS PRESENTATION BY

KATHERINE GORDY LEVINE

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FAMILY MEETINGS Promote communication Promote cooperation Enhance problem solving Teach social skills Teach how to participate in meetings Promote bonding Provide opportunity for sharing

knowledge Provide opportunity for fun

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SKILLS THAT CAN BE TAUGHT AT FAMILY MEETING’S INCLUDE:

Active listening I messages Problem solving skills Positive self talk Turn taking Negotiating skills How to support another How to ask for help

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WHY DON’T PARENTS HOLDFAMILY MEETINGS?

Not in culture or tradition Don’t see potential value Don’t know how or where to start Fear negative out bursts will occur Fear secrets will be shared Fear someone will lose control Fear power will be lost or gained

THESE ARE THE SAME REASONS STAFF DON’TTEACH OR HELP FAMILIES TO MEET FORMALLY

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TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL FAMILY MEETINGS

1. Do confuse meetings with therapy. Do not use to deal with major problems.

2. Prepare carefully:

Talk with both the youth and primary care taker before first meeting

Help youth develop some way to deal with stress before meeting

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TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL FAMILY MEETINGS

3. Have clear rules Go round discussion

Three minute talk limit

No bad talk, no bad language

No physical contact

No one must speak, can pass

Can absent self but must abide by group decisions

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TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL FAMILY MEETINGS

4. Have an order to the meeting For the beginning suggest

1. An opening statement

2. Reading of rules

3. Check-in Business of the meeting Closing A fun ending: meal, a game, compliments

around.

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TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL FAMILY MEETINGS

5. Grown-ups make the decisions

The purpose of the meetings is to discuss a number of things, but it must be clear the care-givers are the bosses.

6. Agree to take table issues if things get too tense.

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THREE STEPS TO SUCCESS

1. Hold a successful family meeting.

2. Hold a second successful family meeting.

3. Hold more meetings.