Why Creating Family Traditions for Kids is An essential part of good parenting
Family traditions for kids are a very important thing to consider as a parent.
These can be as small or big as you like, and take as long as you like, but it is vital that we don't just get busy with the process of building a family and in the everyday moments that we forget to be intentional in our child's lives in this way.
This post will cover this topic via the following points:
Why family traditions are so important
How they can build resilience in children
Some examples of family traditions
Peaceful Living with Miranda: Why every family should have family traditions-and why they're so important for your child's development, self confidence and child mental health. #parenting #toddleractivities #happykids #mentalhealth
Family Traditions for kids
We can all remember those important, regular things that happened when we were growing up.
Sunday roast at Grandma's, helping Dad build a car on Saturday, or bigger moments like going to the local Show once per year, are all great examples of family traditions, or 'anchors'.
We love to think that our children will remember all the big moments in their little lives, those trips to the Zoo we strive to give them, the amazing two year old birthday party, but in reality they are much more likely to remember those small, regular things that really made up how families really function week-to-week.
Why are family traditions for kids so important?
These traditions are extremely important for children, because they literally build 'what our family does', for them.
Intentionally building family traditions that honour your family values, is a good idea.
Essentially, your family traditions should show your child how to 'be' in the world. They are a collection of how your individual family choose to take in, appreciate and experience all that being a family, is.
How do family traditions for kids build resilience?
Resilience literally means 'bouncing back' from adversity.
This means that when your child is picked on, or feeling bad for some reason, they are able to pick themselves up and carry on-regardless of whether this takes 5 minutes or 24 hours, this is a very important skill to work on.
Family traditions help children build this skill, because they are creating a safe, happy and accepting environment.
Family traditions for kids and why they help build resilience. Don't miss your free call on learning how to do this in your family! #family #childhood #threeyearsold #twoyearold #parenting #positiveparenting #emotionalintelligence #resilience
'You are part of our family, and you are loved.'
'You are amazing just the way you are.'
If you think about hard times that have happened in your own life, you may still be able to recall your memories (if you have happy ones) from your childhood days and feel a sense of 'I was loved, I was happy, and I can be confident in being myself-because I AM worth something.'
This is exactly what those family anchors or traditions do for your children.
(Note: If you don't know what this feels like, or how to create this for your children, go to the Bookings page through the Resources tab, and grab a simple 2-session package. After our first 50-minute meeting, you’ll walk away with a plan. In our second, we’ll assess the plan and make any adjustments we need to! Then, you are welcome to book further sessions or leave it at 2. Help is available here!)
Taking the time to think about what could be a family tradition for your growing family is a good idea!
Examples of family traditions
Many parents may feel a little unsure of how to go about setting up something as 'big' as a tradition, but think of them as habits with your child.
These can be as small or as big as you like, but the idea of 'tradition' is identified by Merriam-Webster as 'an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behaviour.'
Key word: Pattern. In order to be a family tradition, we need to repeat it in a pattern.
That is the very definition of tradition!
So-find something that is fun, small, and that you can commit to doing regularly. (That almost everybody likes)
Movie night once per week
Giving a gift to someone once per month
Spending a 'Mummy-daughter' set time regularly
Have a celebration as a family when someone has an academic or sporting win
Run around outside when it rains
Sing a 'gurgly song' when the water goes out of the bathtub
Dance like silly people when a favourite song comes on!
Your personal family traditions for kids can come in any shape and size, but regardless, they are important for every person in your family to feel the love, confidence and self-acceptance that comes with them.
Best of all?
You will never regret taking the time. After all, family traditions are what define your family as just that - a family.
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Stop Mum Guilt ebook on Amazon Kindle
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Need some peace …. less overwhelm…and/or a few strategies?
Miranda is a teacher-turned stress management and emotional wellbeing coach, for mums who are finding life overwhelming and stressful. She also authors wellbeing books such as Stop Mum Guilt and fantasy novels, as well as creates physical journals and products for women. If you feel overwhelmed, or are sick and tired of feeling that horrible guilt you carry around in your chest for ‘not doing everything well enough’, grab your 30% off call here as a new client!
