If the words “family meeting” make you cringe, you’re not alone.
In our house, “meeting” once meant endless lectures and muted rebellions.
Then I rebranded ours as the “Chill-Zone,” and something clicked.
Suddenly, it felt more like a cosy café chat than a boardroom briefing. Here’s the blueprint for your own low-stress pow-wow.
Tip 1: Keep It Short and Visual
Set a fifteen-minute timer, no exceptions.
Use picture cards or sticky notes for agenda items: dinner plan, weekend outing, that fidget-toy swap.
The visuals anchor attention and the timer keeps everyone mindful of time.
Tip 2: Rotate the Chair
Each week, a different family member leads the session.
Yes, even your eight-year-old gets a turn.
It’s hilarious to watch them boss the rest of us around (within gentle boundaries), and it instils a sense of ownership: “This is our thing, not just Mum’s.”
Tip 3: Celebrate Wins with a “Calm-Down Jar”
Fill a glass jar with water and glitter.
Each time someone shares a small victory,finishing homework, remembering to brush teeth, they drop in a pinch of glitter.
Watching it swirl and settle is visually soothing and a tangible reminder that every success, big or small, deserves recognition.
After the meeting, I always jot down one tiny personal win “I got dressed without snapping” because mums need a highlight reel, too.
Done right, Chill-Zone time isn’t a chore; it’s connection time, a few laughs, a sprinkle of encouragement, and a clear plan for the week.
