Despite our many digital devices that should keep us connected, the time we spend in front of screens has also been the subject of much debate. Some argue that we would have more meaningful conversations if they weren’t done through text and email but for some families, technology facilitates communication in ways that wouldn’t happen otherwise. Let’s face it—we’re all busy and as much as you may want to have nightly family dinners, they may not happen because of everyone’s schedule.
If you’re already texting like crazy to check in with each other, take your communication to the next level with Me in a Tree, an interactive online portal that is designed to improve relationships. Me in a Tree helps make household communication more efficient and forge stronger connections between family members. This family communication hub features a place for every member of the family through the robust platform that has a lot of features.
Users begin by signing up for a two week free trial. This allows you to explore the various aspects of the Me in a Tree to determine how it might work for your family. One nice thing about the trial is that it doesn’t require the use of a credit card. I always hate sites that use a credit card number as a gateway for the trial because they bank on you forgetting to cancel and adding an automatic charge that’s so sneaky!
Once you’re logged in, you can explore the site’s various features. When introducing it to your family, I’d recommend starting with the Pledge Stone and Assessments. Pledge Stone is a great conversation starter to begin discussing the values that define your family.
Me in a Tree Pledge Stone
It’s also important to take a look at the Assessments section that will help determine your family’s strengths and weaknesses. Both may seem a little corporate but they’re ultimately designed to help make your family function better and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Assessments
worthwhile features to explore soon after your trial starts is the Calendar. For the Calendar, each family member is assigned a color. A colorful, interactive calendar coordinates family time and schedules, while mutually agreed upon family and individual duties will automatically show up in the daily calendar. I like being able to click each individual schedules for a family member or clicking the rainbow icon to see the family calendar.
Next take a look at how to start a Family Huddle. A Family Huddle serves as a virtual family meetings. They can be schedule by adding a date and time to have a huddle and then family members will use the online portal to check in.
Family Huddle
Other helpful features include a Things to Do list that features community based activities, events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities. If your family is looking to volunteer together, Things to Do serves as one stop browsing to find an opportunity that’s right for you. Discuss the idea through a Family Huddle and once everyone agrees, add it to the Calendar with just one click.
Family Activities
The My Duties feature ensures that everyone in your family is pitching in since it helps delegate chores to each family member. See a monthly overview or daily chore calendar through the Today Duties Tent. Motivation to complete My Duties comes in the form of stars that can be earned towards building constellations. My Journal serves as an online journal where family members are encouraged to share daily gratitude and reflections.
Summary
Me in a Tree is a comprehensive online site that can be used to facilitate communication between members of a busy family. I appreciate that the site provides a wealth of tools that families can use but doesn’t create parental guilt by pushing a certain parenting philosophy or style.
Me in a Tree seems best suited for upper elementary and middle school ages who might appreciate the graphic novel-like artwork featured throughout the site that might be rejected by teens as being totally uncool.
I wish the full pricing was available for users to see through the FAQs (the FAQs link at the bottom of the site leads back to the home page) without having to sign up for the trial. It’s always nice when sites are transparent and let you know of potential costs if you choose to convert your trial into a paid subscription up front.
Me in a Tree pricing is as follows:
- 1 month— $9.99
- 6 months—$47.94 that comes to $7.99/month
- 12 months— $71.88 that comes to $5.99/month
I was compensated for my time in evaluating Me in a Tree and sharing my honest opinion through this post but all opinions are my own. Images courtesy of Me in a Tree.
