How To Start Meaningful Traditions In Your Family, & Why It Matters
When I was a kid, my family had a tradition of playing board games when the power went out. I remember countless nights playing ‘Trouble’ with my parents and two younger brothers. To be completely honest, I couldn’t tell you if this happened two times or five, but for whatever reason, those board game nights stick in my memories more vividly than almost any other childhood memory. Now, as a mom myself, I use these memories as proof that creating a legacy isn’t just about the big gestures, it’s built every single day.
We all know that children thrive on routine, but tradition is so much more than that. It gives our children a sense of security, clear identity, and a sense of belonging early on. They know deep in their bones they are part of an incredibly meaningful, tight-nit club that they will always belong to, and the idea that I can plant a such a vibrant seed in their sweet little brains is one of the few things that makes me feel like a great mom. These little traditions become the stories they tell long after my husband and I are gone. And the best part? They don’t need to be complicated or Pinterest-worthy.
Moms – I see you! If creating a new tradition feels overwhelming to you, consider putting it on the back burner, but be sure to write it down so that you can come back to it one day soon. When you’re ready, here are a few types of traditions to consider:
Daily or Weekly Micro-Moments
• Morning or Bedtime Gratitude
• Pancake Saturdays
• Friday Night Dance Parties
• Tent Tuesdays
• Lunch with Grandma
Milestone & Life Events
• Birthday Letters
• First-Day-of-School Photos
• “Failure Celebration” Dinners when someone tries something hard
Relative Specific
• Mother-Daughter or Mother-Son Day
• Father-Daughter or Father-Son Day
• Grandma-Grandson Day
… You get the idea.
Community Events
• Volunteering Together
• Attending Local Events
Seasonal & Holiday Rituals
• Summer Kick-Off BBQ
• Holiday PJs
• Sandwich Buffet On Christmas
• Tree-Trimming Playlist
• New Years Eve Seafood
• First-Snow Cocoa Walks
• Elf On The Shelf
Now that you have an idea of traditions you might consider, make them stick by keeping them simple enough to repeat without stress, and make sure to give yourself grace. Traditions will shift just as life does.
I’m curious what family traditions you had as a kid, and how did they come about? We have a tradition to meet my mom at the park every Wednesday on her lunch hour, and when the weather isn’t great, we go to the library. This tradition not only gives the kids time with their Grandma, and me time with my mom, but it gives us an excuse to get out consistently every single week.
Consider starting a new tradition this week, mine will be Pancake Saturdays. :)
See you!
Amy