I HAVE NO HUSBAND/WIFE. IS THE FAMILY COUNCIL A GOOD IDEA? Yes, a family with one parent needs a Family Council as much or even more than a two-parent family.

HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO BE IN THE FAMILY AND HOW OLD DO THE CHILDREN HAVE TO BE? Even a two-person family can benefit for the Family Council; any child who can talk can participate. But, have the other children playing in the room if possible.

DOES THE FAMILY COUNCIL HAVE TO BE SO FORMAL WITH ALL SORTS OF RULES? No. Each family decides the degree of formality it desires. In some families, a secretary is elected who keeps minutes. Minutes are valuable in reliving the family experiences and decisions. You do need to write down rules and goals.

CAN ANYONE COMPLAIN AT A FAMILY COUNCIL? Yes. But parents should learn to keep their complaints/concerns for the Family Council and encourage the children to do likewise. Try to keep the meeting upbeat as a possible Family Council will have a positive affect on the family for the rest of the week.

WHAT IS THE FAMILY COUNCIL FOR BESIDES SETTLING ISSUES? The Family Council is for all family business: outlining goals, establishing family rules and roles, making plans, discussing vacations, planning parties and picnics, negotiating allowances, planning for guests, discussing chores, calendaring for the week, discussing finances, etc. Parents will try to reserve all decisions for the Family Council so everyone's opinions can be heard and decisions made with the entire family in attendance. Most decisions are not so urgent that they cannot wait for the next meeting. Sub committees may do detail planning to minimize discussion during Family Council if subject is non-controversial.

HOW LONG SHOULD MEETINGS LAST? This varies with the family, the ages of the children, the amount of business at hand and other factors. In some cases, meetings have a set time for ending. In other cases, the meetings continue until all business has been settled, but usually no longer than one hour. (Sometimes Family Councils turn into a fun rap session with teenagers.) Twenty minutes is good from families with small children.

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON MISTAKES IN RUNNING A FAMILY COUNCIL?

1. Not starting/stopping on time
2. Canceling meetings
3. Meeting at meal time
4. Parental domination
5. Getting discouraged
6. Not following through on agreements
7. Not respecting the right of free expression of all family members regardless of age

IS FAMILY COUNCIL A CURE-ALL FOR ALL FAMILIES? No. However, used properly with full understanding of the philosophy and theory of Godly Councils, the Family Council can be a great help in establishing better relationships and in having a more pleasant and orderly family. It helps develop a home of peace and refuge and a house of God.

WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE FAMILY COUNCIL? The family is the incubator of attitudes, feelings, sentiments, habits, and behavior. If the family operates in an efficient, friendly, sensible and respectful manner, the children will learn to behave the same way. They will be on their way to being responsible and resourceful people. We are convinced that inherent in all children is the potentiality of these qualities. Used properly, the Family Council can produce independent, spiritual men and women like their Father in Heaven. God governs by councils; (Job & Revelation) we can do no better!