If you implement only one thing from Intended OS, make it the weekly family meeting. This simple ritual — just 30 minutes once a week — creates a reliable space for alignment, communication, and problem-solving.
Companies have weekly meetings for a reason: they work. And your family deserves the same intentional communication.
Why Weekly Meetings Matter
Without regular check-ins, families drift. Small frustrations accumulate. Schedules clash. People feel unheard. The weekly meeting prevents this by creating:
- A predictable forum — Everyone knows when they'll be heard
- Shared awareness — No more "I didn't know about that!"
- Proactive problem-solving — Address issues before they explode
- Family bonding — Regular quality time, even if brief
The 30-Minute Agenda
📋 Family Meeting Agenda
1. Good News / Wins (5 min)
Start positive. Go around and share one good thing from the week. This sets a constructive tone and helps everyone feel seen. Even small wins count: a good grade, a kind moment, finishing a project.
2. Calendar Review (5 min)
Walk through the upcoming week together. What's happening? Who needs to be where? Any conflicts to resolve? This prevents last-minute surprises and shows respect for everyone's time.
3. Rock Check-in (5 min)
If you're using quarterly "Rocks" (big family goals), do a quick status check. Are you on track? What's the next action? This keeps long-term goals from getting lost in daily chaos.
4. Issues / Discussion Items (10 min)
This is where the real work happens. Anyone can bring up issues — things that aren't working, requests, ideas, or concerns. Use a simple format:
- Identify — What's the issue?
- Discuss — What are the options?
- Solve — What's our decision?
Not every issue gets solved in one meeting. Some need more thought. That's okay — put them on next week's agenda.
5. Action Items & Wrap-up (5 min)
Review what was decided. Who's doing what by when? Write it down. End on a positive note — maybe a family cheer, a gratitude share, or just "good meeting, team!"
Making It Work
Tips for Success
- Same time, same place, every week — Predictability is key
- Protect the time — Don't cancel unless absolutely necessary
- Keep it short — 30 minutes max. Respect everyone's time.
- Include everyone — Even young kids can participate at their level
- Rotate roles — Let kids lead the meeting sometimes
- Make it pleasant — Snacks help. So does ending on time.
Common Objections
"We're too busy for meetings."
You're too busy not to have meetings. The 30 minutes you invest prevents hours of conflict, confusion, and re-work throughout the week.
"My kids won't sit still."
Start with 15 minutes. Give them roles. Let them hold the agenda. Keep it engaging. Kids rise to expectations when they feel included.
"It feels too corporate."
It's only as formal as you make it. Call it "family huddle" or "Sunday sync." The structure serves connection, not the other way around.
When to Meet
Popular times:
- Sunday evening — Prep for the week ahead
- Saturday morning — Fresh start to the weekend
- Friday dinner — Celebrate the week's end
The best time is the time you'll actually stick to. Experiment and adjust.
"We've been doing family meetings for six months now. It's become sacred time. The kids remind us if we forget." — Intended OS user