Life can get busy, and it’s easy for family members to pass each other like ships in the night. That’s why a Weekly Expectation Check-In is a fantastic way to reconnect, reflect, and strengthen your family bond. It’s a simple, heartwarming tradition where everyone shares one expectation they had during the week—whether it was met or not.
Think of it as your family’s version of a weekly debrief, but with more giggles, snacks, and maybe a little silliness. It’s not about pointing fingers or fixing things; it’s about creating a safe space to share feelings, celebrate wins, and grow closer together. ❤️
How to Start a Weekly Expectation Check-In
- Pick a Time: Choose a consistent day and time for your check-in. Sunday evening around the dinner table or Friday night before movie time are great options.
- Set the Mood: Make the atmosphere relaxed and inviting. Gather some snacks, light a candle, or cuddle up on the couch. The goal is to make this a special family moment.
- Explain the Rules:
- Each person shares one expectation they had during the week.
- It could be anything: “I hoped I’d get an A on my math test,” or “I expected we’d have more time to play outside.”
- Then, share whether the expectation was met or unmet and how it felt.
- Encourage Open Sharing: Use prompts to guide the conversation, like:
- “What went better than you expected this week?”
- “Did something surprise you?”
- “Is there anything you’d like to share about next week?”
- Celebrate and Support: Cheer for each other’s wins and provide encouragement for unmet expectations. This is a chance to show support and love.
Why It Works
A Weekly Expectation Check-In gives every family member a voice. It helps kids (and adults!) process their emotions and reflect on their week. Plus, it teaches valuable lessons about managing expectations, handling disappointments, and celebrating victories—big or small.
It’s a lot like The Lion King’s lesson: “Remember who you are.” By reflecting on the week, your family strengthens its identity as a team that’s there for one another, through highs and lows.
Make It Fun and Personal
To keep everyone engaged, try adding a fun twist to your check-ins:
- The Talking Turtle: Use a stuffed animal or a fun object as the “talking stick.” Only the person holding it gets to share, ensuring everyone gets a turn.
- Expectation Jar: Throughout the week, family members can write their expectations on small notes and drop them into a jar. During the check-in, read them out loud together.
- Reflection Board: Use a whiteboard or poster to jot down everyone’s expectations and outcomes. Decorate it with doodles and stickers!
Example: The Expectorsons’ Check-In
Here’s how a Weekly Expectation Check-In might go for the Expectorson family:
- Dad: “I expected I’d finish the garage clean-up this week, but I didn’t have enough time. I felt a little frustrated, but I’ll tackle it next week!”
- Mom: “I hoped we’d all have dinner together every night, and we almost did! That made me really happy.”
- Kid 1 (Corey): “I expected I’d beat Level 5 in my video game, and I did! I felt so proud!”
- Kid 2 (Kyra): “I thought I’d get to wear my favorite dress to school, but it was in the laundry. I was bummed, but now it’s clean for Monday!”
By the end of the check-in, everyone feels heard, validated, and closer as a family. Plus, they’ve learned to appreciate each other’s challenges and achievements.
Why Families Love It
Kids love check-ins because it gives them a chance to share their feelings without interruptions. Parents love it because it opens up communication and creates opportunities to teach emotional resilience. Everyone loves it because it’s a moment to slow down, connect, and show that you care.
As Lilo & Stitch reminds us, “Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind—or forgotten.” A Weekly Expectation Check-In is a simple way to ensure everyone feels seen and supported.
Takeaway
Start a Weekly Expectation Check-In to give your family a chance to reflect, celebrate, and connect. This small routine can make a big difference in strengthening your family bond. 💬❤️ learn more