Having better family communication and solving problems as they arise can prevent many dysfunctional behaviors. A proven way of doing this is through regular family meetings. This involves getting together just once a week or so to talk about how things are going in the family. These meetings help with prevention but are useful for families that have had serious problems in the past and are in the process of getting back on track. Some prevention and intervention programs include family meetings are h eld with Intervention efforts.
All family members get together for less than one hour to talk with each other.
They talk about two things. First they share with each other the good things that have happened to them recently. This may also include discussion games which facilitate op en communications. Second, they seek to resolve problems which have come up in the family recently. These may be minor or major issues.