This is a very short book (I listened to it on Audible in approximately 2.5 hours) but I loved the book so much.
In summary, it talks about how we have 18 summer with our children and to make the most of it! I will be honest, sometimes find analogies like this a little bit depressing and overwhelming (the pressure to enjoy every single moment with my son, even in challenging times) but I have truly enjoyed the sentiment of this book.
The book explains how busy parents can be and how not all time with our children is quality time. The idea is really simple; every 90 days (non negotiable!), set a 'meeting' date with your child, or with each child individually (if you have multiple children) and on that day, it is completely up to them to decide what you are doing. It must be at least 4 hours long and usually involves a meal (often going out for that meal). It can be planned in advance and our child can look forward to it. They lead the plans and the day. One of the most important parts of this day is that no technology is allowed - most certainly the parent has to have their phone off the entire time. No distractions from their smartphone!
Towards the end, the parent can say something that they have observed from the day (keeping it short and kind, not trying to teach them any sort of lesson) and they can ask their child what their favourite part of it was. Taking a photo during the day is optional.
This board meeting should be put in the calendar every 90 days and should be treated as importantly as if it was a work board meeting.
For our first family board meeting (I wanted to start it out as soon as I had finished the book!) my son (who is 4) asked if we will have a body board with us (as he has been loving his lately!). I said no and briefly explained that we can do anything he wants on the planned day. He chose to go to an Aquarium and then to eat at his favourite cafe. He chose a small souvenir at the Aquarium and we had a really fun time together.
It was incredibly tempting to get my phone out and regularly check it but I resisted the urge and clearly let him know that it is going away (at the start of the meeting) and I will not be looking at it for this time. It was so fun to have my son leading the day; not to be suggesting things, offering extra ideas, trying to set the pace for our day. It was all lead by him. We took one quick photo to remember the day by and it will go into our month's Freeprints (an app where we have decided to print our favourite family photos on the 1st of every month).
We have already set the date for the next one in 3 months so that he can start planning what he wants to do! I am excited to do this every 3 months for many more years with him and to take a picture of each one. I also plan to write a few notes about each meeting, so that I have them to look back on and share with him each year and as he grows.
I would love to hear if you have read the book and where your family board meetings have been or will be!
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