First Family Meeting

The Gent and I had our first family meeting with Annie and JJ a couple of weeks ago. As parents, we had slipped up on making our kids obey the first time we asked them to do something. I kept finding myself repeating requests multiple times before following through on compliance. Summer traveling and pregnancy derailed us some, but let's be honest, "get off your rear" parenting is exhausting (but effective)! I also felt like discipline was somewhat erratic and the kids weren't clear on the consequences of their misbehavior. So we all sat down together and went over the foundation for authority in our home, laid out our expectations, and what Annie and JJ's responsibilities are. The meeting went well and the past few weeks have gone more smoothly, after we won a few rounds with our strong-willed daughter. Trying to be consistent in all things...it's hard but worth it!
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Family Meeting Agenda

What do you think the word “authority” means?

Right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience

Do you know what the Bible says about authority?

God’s Word tells us that God loves us and He wants us to obey Him. Mommies and daddies are under God’s authority, and God puts boys and girls under their mommy’s and daddy’s authority. It is our job to teach you how to obey God.

In Ephesians 6, God says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

Lately Mommy and Daddy have been slipping up on making you obey. That is probably confusing for you. We are sorry and we are going to do a better job.

From now on, when Mommy or Daddy ask you to do something, you will do it right away.

Like when Mommy says, “please clean up your toys” you will immediately start to put the toys away. If you don’t obey the first time you are asked to do something, you will be disciplined to help you remember that you are under God’s authority and you must obey.

Discipline means you will be sent to time-out, where you will sit quietly until your timer goes off and Mommy or Daddy come to get you. Or you will lose a privilege, like eating dessert or having a favorite toy taken away for a day.

If you are in the middle of something that you would like to finish, like doing a puzzle or building a block tower, you may respectfully ask Mommy or Daddy if you may finish before cleaning up.

How could you ask respectfully?

“Mommy, before I clean up my toys, may I finish my puzzle?” Sometimes Mommy will say yes and sometimes she will say no. Your job is to immediately follow-through on what Mommy asks you to do.

Do you understand what we just talked about?

When Mommy or Daddy tell you to do something, what should you do? (do it right away)

Why? (because God tells us to honor and obey our parents)