The after-school pickup chaos is over, and as you usher everyone inside, you suddenly remember it’s Tuesday. “Family meeting tonight at seven!” you yell up the stairs. Are your kids already rolling their eyes? Or maybe they’re worried that something’s wrong.

Little do they know that you read a blog about the power of family meetings. It got you thinking: How can you make spending regular time together A. happen and B. something that everyone looks forward to? 

Whether you’re hearing the hilarious thing their science teacher did or getting the low-down on some serious tween drama, regular support from family meetings lets your kids know their opinions matter and that their home is a safe space where they can be themselves.

The benefits? Better communication and really getting to know your kids. Because let’s face it, life moves fast. One minute, you’re washing bottles, and the next, you’re practically living in your minivan, chauffeuring a twelve-year-old from one activity to the next.

And if nothing else, family meetings offer a much-needed pause button—a chance to slow down and have meaningful conversations outside of “What time is your game tomorrow?” It’s on us, as parents, to carve out that time. And why not start right now? 

To get the kids on board (and maybe your partner, too), make family meetings special with popcorn, cookies, or everyone’s favorite drinks. Play a silly game before diving into any serious conversations. Have a creative family? Plan some family crafts or print coloring sheets to work on while you talk. 

Theme nights. Who doesn’t love dressing up as their favorite Disney character or getting cozy for a pajama party? Get creative: backward clothes, silly hats, or superheroes and villains. Your meetings don’t always have to be about talking. Try a fun activity like family trivia, a movie or gameshow night, or have a talent show. 

Pit and Peak. My friends and I used to do this at every large gathering, and it was pretty fun to hear everyone’s answers. Each person shares the best and worst parts of their week. 

Big dreams and small wishes. Open up the conversation to anyone who wants to share their big dreams. What does everyone want to do with their life? On the flip side, what small wish do they want to happen soon? If anyone draws a blank, ask what’s one thing they’re looking forward to. Nothing is too big or too small. 

Don’t think family meetings will work in your house? We get it. It’s completely unrealistic to expect every person in your family to be in the “family meeting” mood at the exact same time, but that’s also kind of the point, right? You’re there to support each other. But if you’re collectively not feeling it, don’t force it.

Or try an “open floor” meeting with no set agenda. Family members are free to discuss any topic they want. Nothing is off-limits as long as it’s age-appropriate for all the kids. And you never know, something good might come from simply being in the same room with each other, seeing everyone’s faces, and saying hi, even during those “off” days—we all have them. 

Another fun way to host a family meeting is to let your kids run it! Tell them to pick a theme and decide what the discussion will be, and don’t forget to have them choose the snacks!

Here are some conversation starters to get your meetings rolling: 

• Give each person a genuine compliment.

• Create a family bucket list or a vision board. 

• Discuss values—what’s important to your family?

Questions to ask: 

• What makes you laugh the hardest? 

• When was the last time you were proud of yourself? 

• What are you worried about right now?  

• If you could do any job, what would it be and why?

One more thing—I just bought conversation cards for my family of three. They also sell kid and teen versions. My plan is to keep them out in the open so we remember. Wish me luck!

Does your family have regular meetings? 

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