Requirement 6
Note: Some of the issues surrounding requirement 6 for the family meeting could be considered of a personal nature. Use discretion when reviewing this requirement with the Scout. Discussion of each of these subjects will very likely carry over to more than one family meeting.
Requirement
Discuss with your counselor how to plan and carry out a family meeting.
Running a Family Meeting:
Tools for Success
1
Set a Purpose
Decide which topic you will be discussing in your family meeting.
2
Choose a Time and Place
Be courteous and find a time when everyone in the family can be present and a location that’s comfortable and free from distractions.
3
Create an Agenda
List the topics to be discussed in the family meeting ahead of time for all family members to review. This helps keep the meeting focused and ensures everyone is prepared in advance.
4
Establish Ground Rules
Before the meeting, encourage respectful listening, taking turns to speak, and for family members to have an open mind.
5
Encourage Participation
Make sure each family member has a chance to speak.
Tip: Introduce a talking stick to help family members recognize that whoever holds it has the right to speak without interruption.
6
Make Decisions
Create a list of action items or solutions and assign responsibilities if needed.
7
Close on a Positive Note
End with appreciation to the family or offer a fun activity to reinforce family bonding.
8
Follow Up
Recap on any action items that will be addressed during the upcoming family meeting, and introduce any new topics planned for the next meeting.
See how you can implement a family meeting.
Did You Know:
Online family meetings are a great way to connect!
During the COVID-19 pandemic, video conferencing tools like Zoom helped families stay connected. Beyond the pandemic, these platforms are useful for families separated by distance—such as military service, college, or business travel. They also make it easier to reconnect with extended family, offering meaningful interaction for loved ones, especially grandparents who cherish hearing about their grandchildren’s adventures.
Family members don’t always see eye to eye, and that’s okay! Check out this video to learn how Scouts navigate and resolve conflicts within their own families.
Now that you know how to carry out a family meeting
Find out how to use a family meeting agenda to discuss various topics.
