June 16, 2026- I strongly believe family meetings can enhance family unity and communication. This is true even in our world where we no longer always have the nuclear family and there often is one parent raising children, parents co-parenting children, or there is some combination of family members in a blended family. I would argue that regardless of the composition of the family, having family meetings on a regular basis can be very helpful. In such a fast paced world where social media and the Internet can capture the attention of children and adults for a good share of a day, it is important that there be times that families meet and discuss things related to them. I would suggest these be on a weekly basis to the point they become something that is expected and often pulls the family together when distractions separate family members from each other. Typical things that
can be gained from regular family meetings would include improving family communication by having all members communicating, allowing children and adults to discuss their feelings and make arguments about what their needs are and what is important to them, a place that is psychologically safe where everyone can share their feelings and not feel they are going to be attacked or not be listened to, observe parents modeling tolerance and understanding, everyone can have a sense of belonging, resolve conflicts that otherwise can simmer and lead to breakdowns in the family, using communication to enhance understanding in relationships, teaching children and parents alike how to listen, share home work responsibilities and work together as a team, compromise, teach leadership through parental modeling that will carryover not only from family meetings but to other relationships in life, and develop a closeness among family members that often is lacking. Parents often do not do this because life can be so hectic that it is hard to have a time when people can sit down and talk. It also happens because it does not seem to be something that is really promoted as important in our society. I am not saying that people are opposed to family meetings. No, I am simply saying it does not seem to be something that people are talking about and doing as a priority. I can say from my interactions with people in my work and life in general that family meetings are not common. It is not easy to just sit down and have family meetings. It is best they have been developed as the family was growing and became a natural thing for people to do. This is something that should happen at least once a at a time that is picked each week to get everybody together and talk. It is never too late to start. My advice is to begin trying it and see how it works out. It may be awkward initially, but the possibility of developing better family communication certainly makes it worth the effort.