Family Traditions
Paula Goodrich, Parent Educator
Some of my fondest childhood memories,are 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. These 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
For additional parenting resources, visit CCE Schuyler's Parenting Education page.
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!