These are just examples. Feel free to read through these. Choose what works leave what doesn’t. Make sure you make space to discuss agreements with your family before you begin conversations. It does not have to be written but it could be helpful to have it displayed somewhere. Consider the ways that these agreements can be something that is revisited from time to time.

• We will listen to understand
• We will remain open and curious
• We will ask questions.
• We will not make assumptions.
• We will take breaks when we need it.
• We give ourselves permission to step away from a conversation.
• We will use I Statements.
• We will practice deep & compassionate listening.
• We will not be afraid to sit, think and process anything that is discussed.
• We will move at the pace of trust.
• We will redirect negative conversations by pausing and focusing on agreed upon topics.
• We will do what we need to do to take care of ourselves. For example: Doodle. Sketch. Color. Hold a grounding object. Move. Take body breaks.
• We give ourselves and each other grace and space (that includes you too!)
• We will learn or try to be comfortable with silence to allow space for processing
• We will lean into discomfort knowing that it will get us closer to shared and collective understanding.
• We recognize that we will make mistakes and that if we remain open we will learn from them together, in community.
• “What’s said here stays here. What’s learned here leaves here.”