Guidelines for Healthy Family Communication
What to set expectations on
Every family is different, but here are a few ideas
Confidentiality
What is said in a family meeting stays in a family meeting, or perhaprs permission should be requested before talking with outside guidance. What is the family's definition of private vs public information?
Behaviour
- Speak your mind
- Avoid getting your message through someone else
- Respect other people's opinions
- Express your needs, not demands
Participation
Who should be included in family meetings or discussions and when? Should everyone be invited to express their opinion and in what form?
Commitment
Deciding as a family to be commited and respectful of decisions made as a family, even when sometimes the choices are not reflective of personal preference.