You cannot make a 50% commitment, a 2-week commitment, or a once-in-awhile commitment to hold family meetings. It has to be a 100%, meet once a week, and make it a part of our lives commitment! If you are not completely on board, your kids will know it. If you are half committed, they will laugh at you. However, if they sense that you are serious and 100% behind your words, they still may not like it, but they will respect you for your decision. Yes, they may roll their eyes and resist it like mine did, but your resolve to hold a weekly family meeting must be greater than their resolve to be difficult. I’ve heard parents say everything from “but we’re so busy!” to “I don’t think my kids will go for it”, but we simply can’t afford to make excuses. This is not about what our kids want or what our busy schedules dictate. This is about giving our kids the communication skills, attitudes, and confidence they need to live healthier and happier lives. Your decision today to make your family the focus will not only impact your children, but the relationships they carry forward with their own children and grandchildren. Your commitment will create an invaluable legacy of strong families, healthy relationships, and effective communication.

Change in America starts in our own homes with our own families. I applaud and welcome you and your family to the movement that recaptures the heartbeat of our families, strengthens our homes and communities, and empowers our nation and world, one kitchen table at a time.