Family Councils

A family council is exactly what it sounds like. Family members can talk together about whatever they need to. We have used it to discuss things we needed the kids to do, upcoming visitors and plans for holidays, etc. The kids have used it to express when they need more attention or playtime, what their siblings are doing that bothers them, and so forth.

The younger kids sometimes had nothing important to say, or didn’t actually say anything at all, but as they got older, their baby babble has become full sentences. We always ask each person if they have family business to discuss though, just in case. I think it has given each child an opportunity to speak and feel heard, so now they feel comfortable saying what they want to.

It’s important to remember it is a discussion. Even though we have sometimes used it to correct behavior, if it is used to chew out children or siblings, it will not facilitate the discussion that’s needed. Using it as an opportunity to praise children, or thank them for doing something well, can be beneficial. Just remember to keep it positive and focused. It took some practice at first, but the results have been worth it. Here is the original talk discussing family councils, where we heard about it first:

Family Councils: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2016/04/family-councils?lang=eng