Making family decisions together

			Making Family Decisions ... together!
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Step one: Get all family members together	Parents should arrange a time when you can all get together. Just before meal time ... with the TV OFF can be a good start
Step two: Rank the matters for decisions or discussion	Make a list of things that need FAMILY DECISIONS, including issues from all family members. Write a number 1, 2, 3 etc for each listed item starting with 1 for the most important or affecting the most number of family members . The things on the list can also include someone's news that they want to share, or long term problems or annoucements that might affect the whole family.

Step three: Listen to everyone's ideas	Brainstorming is a good idea - accept all positive ideas Look differently at things - is the glass half full or half empty Avoid negative general statements ... "That's stupid" Going around the table and giving everyone the chance to contribute is a good start and can be repeated throughout the process, so outcomes are more inclusive.
Step four: Get a balance of all suggestions	Discuss what is good and what is bad about each solution. Consider the consequences of paths taken. Look at outcomes from another person's point-of-view. Discuss compromises.
Step five: Put decisions into action ... but be prepared for change if needed.	Get the agreed outcomes underway. It's time for action! Set aside a certain amount of time to do the task(s). If things are not working out, STOP and ALL consider changes that could make the chance of success more possible.
Keep good communications happening. Thats the key!	Making decisions involves making a choice. All decisions carry some dissatisfactions and conflicts. Sometimes, the bad must be accepted with the good.


What is it and click to get there!	Short summary ...	Score board
Making-up your mind Improving your decision making skills	A bit wordy but with good points	7/10

Other useful stuff ....

As children get older and could have
a greater part in the decision making team,
they should be made more responsibe for the collective choices,
so they learn to be more understanding and accepting
of family goals and decisions, even if parents have to make
rules and final, sometimes difficult, decisions.

To avoid this all driving a wedge between parent and child,
a degree of ownership, and feeling of belonging is needed
so to avoid complaints like "I can't talk to my parents",
and "they just don't listen".


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