Implicit rules of niceness can, at times, undermine authentic communication. While sharing, apologizing, and gratitude are acts of the heart, they are often required of children despite the heart. This ultimately can backfire, creating resentment and inauthentic expression. As adults guiding young children, parents may find it embarrassing if children don’t show these behaviors on cue. Out of those performance tensions, undue pressures often build in these situations. While letting a child know they must share something will often make them more covetous, letting a child know that, when they are finished with something, someone else will enjoy it encourages free-will sharing. Similarly, making a child apologize is very different from allowing them to see someone else’s pain and offer help. Cultivate compassion patiently.
“Family meetings are opportunities for parents and children to discuss important issues, stregthen communication, reinforce values, and nurture positive relationships.”
— Marilyn Price-Mitchell, PhD.
Family Meetings enable us to:
- Learn about each other and the world
- Practice communications skills
- Overcome challenges together
- Reflect on feelings
- Live your family values
- Set and achieve shared goals
- Have fun and inspire one another
- Appreciate and understand your loved ones
