Many families may live far apart or don't meet as a group very often, and the holidays are often the most convenient time to have a family meeting. You might want to discuss caretaking needs for an aging parent, financial concerns, or other things that everyone needs to be aware of. Here are some tips for how you can approach these topics without it feeling like an ambush or a drastic interruption to holiday celebrations.
Plan the Meeting
The first thing you need to do is decide when and where the meeting will take place. It's important to choose a convenient time and place for everyone involved. You should also send out a formal invitation via email or text so that everyone has the details in advance.
Planning the meeting in advance and notifying everyone of the time and place will help to quell any feelings of ambush.
Make an Agenda
What do you want to discuss as a family? Is it about how you need to hire a professional caregiver? Do you want to talk about your parent's estate? Sit down and make a list of topics that need to be addressed during the meeting. Once you have the agenda, send it out to everyone involved so they can come prepared with questions or thoughts.
Keep it Short and Sweet
No one wants to spend hours in a meeting when they could be enjoying holiday festivities. So, make sure to keep the meeting as short and sweet as possible. Get straight to the point and only discuss necessary topics. Once everything has been discussed, you can all enjoy your holidays stress-free.
Set a Positive Tone
It's important to set a positive tone for the meeting. This will help everyone feel more comfortable and open to discussing sensitive topics. Start by thanking everyone for coming, then explain why you're holding the meeting. Make sure to emphasize that you're all in this together and trying to make things easier for everyone involved.
Be Respectful
It's important to be respectful of everyone's time and opinions during the meeting. If someone has something to say, listen to them patiently. Avoid interrupting or talking over one another. And, if you don't agree with someone, try to see their point of view and have a calm discussion about it.
Keep it Confidential
Topics regarding our elderly loved ones can sometimes be sensitive. So, it's important to keep the meeting confidential. What is discussed in the meeting should stay between those who were present. This will help build trust and ensure everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.
Having a family meeting during the holidays doesn't have to be a stressful experience. By following these tips, you can make sure that the meeting goes smoothly and that everyone feels comfortable discussing the topics at hand. If you are in need of professional caregiving services in Charlotte, Pineville, and Concord, contact Senior Helpers today. We can help make your holiday season more enjoyable for everyone involved.