Family meetings should occur once a week on the same day, at the same time.

- Schedule a meeting between meals when folks are rested. I like 11 am because we have recently had snack and had some outdoor time, so we are ready to sit and listen and participate.

- Sit at a cleared table, turn off the tv and phone.

- Use a talking stick, only the person with the stick can talk.

- If possible have the special day person lead the meeting. Write down the minutes, keep a journal. It will remind you of what you did and it will be loads of fun to read years down the road.