[originaltext]W: Dr. Stone, many experts see family meetings as an ideal opport

W: Dr. Stone, many experts see family meetings as an ideal opportunity to open the doors of communication between parents and children. But how do you go about holding a meeting?
M: In my opinion, family meetings should be handled around the kitchen table instead of the board room table. They should be held at a regular time that everybody agrees on. Meetings should be short and never an unhappy experience. People can express things that are bothering them, but should never attack others because it’s a time when everyone gets to talk and has an opinion.
W: Should kids be included for family meetings?
M: Sure. Kids of all ages have a lot to gain from such meetings. They learn how to speak up in meetings and their opinions mean something. They learn the democratic process and are more likely to take responsibility for the decision being made. If they participate in decision-making, they are more likely to follow through.
W: Then why do some people fail in family meetings?
M: That’s just because they always focus on what’s wrong. The most successful ones offer compliments to each other and acknowledge ways someone has contributed.
W: Can you summarize the value of family meetings?
M: Overall, family meetings can strengthen the bonds between parents and children. They are the most important meetings in life.
W: Thank you very much.
13. What does Dr. Stone think of a family meeting?
14. What can kids learn from family meetings?
15. Why do some people fail in family meetings according to Dr. Stone?