Family traditions
“Whatever its biological inheritance from its parents and other ancestors, the child receives also from them a heritage of attitudes, sentiments, and ideals which may be termed the family tradition, or the family culture”.
Social scientists now agree that effective family traditions promote a sense of identity and a feeling of closeness, a sense of security and assurance in today’s fast, hectic, and ever-changing world. William Doherty, a social scientist has explained in his book “The Intentional Family” that as family bonds are weakened by busy lifestyles, families can stay connected only by being intentional about maintaining important rituals and traditions.
(source: Wikipedia)
Easter was yet another reminder of a big parenting lesson we have learned along the way. Having traditions, rituals, habits, that you do every holiday etc. is so comforting to kids. No matter what their age.
A friend of mine who has college age kids told me this week that she couldn't find her kids Easter baskets this year. She thought, "no big deal, they are older and won't care." She was wrong. They scoured the attic looking for them and were genuinely upset that they were not going to be hiding them.
Our kids remind us of traditions we have, and insist on doing them every year, for every holiday, vacation etc.
Some fun traditions we do:
Hide the Easter basket
Birthday cake for Jesus as breakfast on Christmas morning
Pictures with signs on their first day of school
"Survival kits" for all long road trips
Kids' Date nights on vacations
Daddy gives only the girls a Valentine
New Years family goals for the year
12 year old mission trips
Blessing kids before bed
Birthday dinner choice
Christmas treats for our neighbors
Christmas ornaments from vacation spots
Many more that I can't think of.....
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