Bernadette, we do the family metings too, they're so much a part of life now I didn't mention them. we only started them when Joe came because I felt he was holding back on so many things, thinking he didn't belong here. The rules of ours are,
only one person at a time can speak
no interrupting
whatever is agreed is 'house law' and we all abide by it
everyone's opinion is valid and is listened to
nothing is too trivial to be discussed
no alterations after the meeting, whatever is agreed stands
we've sorted things like Joe texting his mates in the middle of the night (he shares Dan's room) to more important stuff like who does what jobs around the house and resolving major squabbles, and we also take the opportunity to show gratitiude for things we've done for each other or things other people have done for all of us, although the kids just call it 'official thanks time'
I started them as a kind of novelty thing, but they've stuck and its the kids really who wanted them to stick, it gives them some say and they're learning important life skills too.