Do you have Family Meetings with your kids? Here is why you should!

Why Family Meetings Have Been a Lifesaver for Me and My Kids

I’ve learned over the years that one of the best ways to keep my family connected is by holding regular family meetings. Now, before you picture a big conference table and a long agenda, let me tell you—it’s nothing like that. For us, family meetings are usually just gathering in the living room or around the kitchen table.

I call a meeting when I know something big is coming up—like a move, a new job, or even something fun like a vacation. Sometimes it’s just because chores aren’t getting done and I’d rather talk about it all together instead of repeating myself ten times.

But honestly, I leaned on family meetings the most when I was going through my divorce. That was such a hard season for all of us. I didn’t want my kids to feel like they were in the dark or that their voices didn’t matter. So, we sat down together more often, and I made sure each of them got the chance to talk and share how they were feeling—with no judgment.

And you know what? Those meetings brought us closer.

What Happens in Our Family Meetings

Here’s how we usually do it:

• Everyone gets a turn to talk.

• No interrupting and no making fun of what someone shares.

• We try to end with a plan—or even better, something positive.

Sometimes the meetings are quick, and other times the conversations go deeper. But no matter what, my kids know it’s their safe space to be honest.

Why I Believe They Work

• They help my kids feel heard. Even if I don’t always agree, they know I’m listening.

• They build respect. We practice listening to each other without judgment.

• They keep us connected. Life can get so busy, but these meetings pull us back together.

• They provide stability. Especially during my divorce, my kids needed that regular check-in time to feel secure.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried a family meeting, I encourage you to. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just pick a time, gather together, and let everyone share what’s on their hearts.

For us, these little meetings have become more than just “talking things out.” They’ve been a way to teach my kids that their voice matters, that we’re a team, and that no matter what life throws our way, we face it together.