But despite all of these great inventions sometimes, as families, we still see a break down in communication.
Sandra Phillips, our home and family efficiency specialist, shares a simple solution that will not only promote better communication but may help improve your family relationships.
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The most important piece of furniture in the house is the family bulletin board!
It’s pure communication without commotion. And communication solves 80% of household arguing! It…
Is like a big, active scrap book
Says you care about the family even when you aren’t there and they are!
Can easily be accessed and seen by everyone
Is inexpensive
Comes in any size you want
Saves walls (and fridge fronts)
Saves messages getting lost or forgotten
Takes advantage of vertical space
To get started
1. You will need a large cork board. Choose from standard framed sizes available at office supply stores; or make an even larger one with cork board squares. The larger your family, and the more active—the bigger the board you need. In my home, I made one 5′ high by 7′ long! Mount it low enough so smaller children can see or touch the bottom area.
2. Next to the cork board, or down in one corner of it, mount a smaller dry erase white board. Buy low odor markers. You can also find washable ones. You’ll need a standard eraser, or fun squeegee erasers.
3. Next, snazzy it up! Add some seasonal borders or decorations. Change them monthly or quarterly, but don’t let the creative “fun” overtake the “function” of communication.
In decorating, you might want to focus on a theme for the month:
January: Decluttering
February: Love & unity
March: Deep cleaning and organizing
April: Fitness
May: Music
June: Healthy cooking and eating
July: Heritage and patriotism
August: Hobbies and activities
September: Learning
October: Sharing Talents
November: Gratitude
December: Service & Charity
What To Put On Your Family Bulletin Board
Personalize it for your family. Include such items as:
1. Assignments: If you children are young, you might want to add a chores list. Or rotating job list pictures for the day.
2. Appointments & Activities: Teenagers, as well as spouses, want to know where everybody’s at, and what’s happening…ahead of time! A basic calendar section allows everyone to enter dates, and see what’s going on with others.
3. Post pictures of your family, your friends, and their interests
4. Hang a “Grouch Pouch” on your bulletin board. When any of your kids have gripes with each other (non-urgent problems), they can write it down, drop it in the bag, and we then you can discuss them at a weekly family meeting. By then, most things had resolved.
5. If you have children living out of the country in the military, missions, away at school, post some of their letters or emails!
6. Grocery lists and even menus, gets the kids excited about eating, commits us to cooking dinner, and encourages all to write down foods as they run out!
7. Awards and especially Birthdays!
8. Family goals, themes perhaps a Coat of Arms. Mission statements are also popular.
9. Significant newspaper headlines
10. Announcements and invitations can be kept in one place!
Bulletin boards can help the family stay organized and communicate!
Don’t be discouraged if you can’t do every bulletin board idea! Just pick out one thing that seems right for you, and be consistent, until it becomes a habit. Do it well and your family will benefit!
It worked for us!
You can find more ideas and information about how to live right at www.live-right.com.
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