We all have family traditions and during this temporary situation that we are all experiencing, it is a great time to start some new traditions or expand on old ones. The time is stressful and unprecedented. However, trying to find a little piece of joy with your family and make into a family tradition can give you something positive to look back at this time on.
- Create a family tradition?
- Find enjoyment in the family traditions that you have?
- Memory of a family tradition you had as a child?
Some of my fondest childhood memories, such as Sunday car rides with my grandparents including a picnic, helping my Mom and grandparents can tomatoes while watching the MDA telethon and coloring pictures in front of the Christmas tree with my Mom the day we put the tree up, are family traditions that occurred for my family around holidays, as well as on ordinary days. A family tradition can be a valuable practice that is repeated at regular times. Traditions create positive feelings among family members and a sense of belonging to children. Family traditions promote the family as a whole and allow the family to grow in unity and love. Often family traditions are passed down through generations and are initiated around holidays. Larger celebrations, such as holidays, graduations, or awards, extend the benefits of togetherness, confidence-building, and good humor. Family traditions can involve ordinary days that prove to be just as rewarding and meaningful. Families who build on traditions or create new celebrations and routines increase their enjoyment of life together and capacity for coping with unexpected challenges. By creating a family tradition, you promote safety and security within the family by providing a familiar and predictable experience. While establishing a new tradition identify a goal, avoid anything too elaborate, pick how often the tradition will be repeated and remember to evaluate the tradition to ensure that it works for your family. The activities chosen should have a purpose and include all family members. Traditions don’t need to be planned; if an event elicits happiness from your family, mark it on the calendar and do the same activity again next year. General tradition ideas: Saturdays are Dad’s day to make breakfast Take turns choosing a dinner table topic Take children’s pictures by the front door on the first day of school Enjoy an outing the last day of school Read books before bed Take a Sunday afternoon walk Every Friday watch a movie Have a family game night Swim at your favorite lake each year Plant flowers each spring Celebrate the first snow fall with hot chocolate Attend a local festival each year Predictable silliness, fun and ways of celebrating bring comfort and closeness to families. Keep the tradition simple, so it will hold meaning for the entire family for years!
This post was brought to you by:
Paula Goodrich
Parenting Educator Home Visitor
pg347@cornell.edu
