It is hard enough to have a family meeting in an “intact” family, nevermind with a blended family.  One or both bio-parents may have step-kids.  Step-kids may be may be younger, or may be teenagers or older.

Setting up a time. Try to make the time/day as convenient as possible for everyone.  Make sure everyone knows that they need to be there.  Of course, the easiest place to have the family meeting is the house.  If not, you can always have it at a local restaurant or coffee house.

Topics. A list of topics to be discussed should be made out ahead of time.  Everyone who is to be at the family meeting should be made aware of what the topics will be before the meeting.

Family meeting. The meeting should start with whomever requested the meeting.   Everyone should have a turn to say what is on their mind, as long as it is done in a respectful and relatively calm manner.    Each person should get a set time to speak what is on their mind.

Solutions. Everyone should be able to have a say in the solutions to the issues, so everyone feels respected and involved.

Family meetings can be a time where everyone can come together and think of ways to handle family matters better.  I think can family matters can make everyone feel included and involved in decisions that affect everyone.

Jersey_Girl can be found at Steppin’ Stuff.