Preserving Family Wealth with Jamie & Jim Sheils - 18 Summers/Founders, Ep #105

It’s time to integrate the family unit into your life and business. We know that the family is disintegrating at a rapid pace, and this is going to unravel society if we don’t change it. Enter the family board meeting. When 18 Summers founders Jim and Jamie Sheils first met, they faced a whole new challenge. Suddenly, they were a blended family, with the challenges of disconnection and time scarcity that all families face. It was Family Board Meetings that bridged the gap, helping a new family connect, and helping the kids find a sure footing on uncertain ground.

Now, through 18 Summers, Jim and Jamie reach families and organizations around the world, helping them discover the benefits of quality time and enduring relationships.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

  • Why Jamie & Jim were inspired to create a family-centered business (1:29)

  • How having a one-on-one day once a quarter with your children can be a game changer (8:26)

  • How to bridge the gap with your child in the tech era (12:37)

  • Why the worst cases can transform (20:41)

  • How children and parents read signs from each other and can come together (26:51)

  • How to initiate that type of communication (31:20)

  • How to open up what you talk about with your children (36:18)

  • The programs available with 18 Summers (19:25)

Why one-on-one time is so important to make with family 

As Jim explains in this episode, focusing on spending one-on-one time with each member of your family at least once a quarter can be a game changer. This is something we just don’t do anymore. We’re so focused on packing in meetings and appointments that we forget how to just be with one person at a time and really make a true connection with them. Once we let one-on-one time become a priority, our family relationships transform into a whole new level.

What a family board meeting is

Just like in business, a board meeting on a quarterly basis makes a huge difference in aligning an organization, or a family, to be on the same page. That’s what Jamie & Jim teach successful business people how to do for their families. They recommend starting by scheduling one-on-one time with each member of your family once a quarter, focusing on intention and presence. Phones are not invited, and it’s focused on fun. It sounds so simple, but think about what a difference just that quarterly meeting will make!

The connection between strong families and sobriety 

One of the biggest ways to prevent addiction is to create strong family connections. Even though we can’t control everything about what our kids choose, when we have emotionally supportive relationships with them, the chances of them turning to addiction for emotional support is much less. As Jim reminded us, “The opposition of addiction is connection.” One of the stories kids make up is that their parents are too busy to spend time with them. So they stop asking and turn to alternate outlets. Kids want camaraderie, and quality time with family is what creates this.

Tell signs of disconnection in family

The first step in preventing disconnection is to create true buy-in with your whole family. Discuss the values of your family and remind each other of those when you get pushback about making them a priority. It’s also essential to be vulnerable as parents, to an appropriate level, so that your kids see that you don’t have all the answers and are open for discussion. This is what makes a healthy environment in a family to be able to go through transition and adversity.

Resources & People Mentioned

Connect with Jamie & Jim Sheils

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