Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Kids in meetings

[Maggi Rohde (maggi]

On Thu, 7 Feb 2002, Robert P. Arjet wrote:
> So, I'm torn between wanting the children of the group to feel welcome
> and heard in our meetings (and to feel their wonderful presence and
> energy there) on the one hand and wanting a quiet meeting where I can
> fully focus on the issues on the other hand.

It seems like you could have both.  Have a time at the beginning, or end,
of each full-group meeting for the children who want to participate (and
even those who'd rather not say anything) to have a time to share their
ideas on whatever proposals are on the table.  Give them an opportunity to
interact with the group on their level.  Then have them go away (if it's
at the beginning of the meeting) or close the meeting (if at the end).

You don't have to expect children to sit through an entire meeting quietly
and act like miniature adults in order to participate, but I also think,
as you do, that it's a mistake to ignore their opinions and perspectives
just because they don't pay a membership fee.

-Maggi Rohde
 Ann Arbor

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