Family eJournal is a website that encourages parents and their
children to share their thoughts and feelings. We understand that
communicating this way is new for most people so we have listed
several Tips for Use to help you get the most out of your Family
eJournal experience.
Treat all information learned through FEJ with respect.
How you handle the information you learn will dictate the effectiveness
of FEJ and, more importantly, the relationship you have with that
individual.
When you receive disturbing news, take time to think about
how you want to react.
Storming into a teenager's room after learning they tried smoking
for the first time is a sure-fire way to get them to never openly
share again, on FEJ or face-to-face. Likewise, screaming at your
parent because they planned a family activity for the same night
you were hoping to spend with friends could quite easily put an
end to both activities.
If a topic originates in FEJ, it may be best to continue discussing
it there. In doing so, users will be forced to organize their
thoughts and will have the time to present them in a more constructive
manner rather than speaking out of emotion and reaction.
Think of FEJ as a tool for expression rather than a chore.
View FEJ as a way to vent your thoughts and feelings.
Use FEJ as a means of self-discovery.
Relish the fact that parents and teenagers are on equal ground
and answer the same Daily Experience Worksheet question
Lead by example. The more you share openly and honestly, the
more likely others will do the same.
Take the time to organize your thoughts before writing.
Think hard about what other family members are writing and
feeling before you respond.
If you have another tip that works well for your family, we’d
love to hear about it and we may just add it to our list. Send your
Tips for Use to feedback@familyejournal.com.
Any topic addressed using FEJ should only be discussed using
FEJ unless there is a risk of immediate danger. For example, if
a teenager is contemplating smoking parents may want to find out
what their motivation is rather than rushing into the teen’s
room furious and barking orders.
Do not punish a family member for being open and honest.
Use FEJ to ask a family member if they would like to discuss
a topic face-to-face before forcing a confrontation.
Always treat a family member's thoughts and feelings as serious
and sensitive even if you don't consider the problem or situation
to be of any great concern. For example, if a parent is upset
because the family has not had dinner together in several days
the teen might suggest a different activity for the family since
schedules do not allow for a family evening meal. This is an opportunity
for the teen to empathize with the parent's need for closeness
with loved ones even though the teen may not see the point or
need.
If your family has a House Rule that works well, we’d love
to hear about it and we may just add it to our list. Send your House
Rule to feedback@familyejournal.com.
