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How do you start a new
family tradition? How do you keep
it going? Here are four steps that'll help.
family tradition? How do you keep
it going? Here are four steps that'll help.
1. Don't Wait to Celebrate
Don't wait for a holiday or birthday. Find the things you love and celebrate them all year long. Themes can center
around birthdays, sports, the beach, and more!
2. Decide What's Important
"Family traditions start because parents decide that something is important. And then they act on that 'important'
thing—and broaden it so that their kids will act on it too," Arliss, a new mother, offered. So, what's important to
you? Is it spending time with family? Honoring the differences in cultures and religions? Helping others? Being
healthy and active? Pick one thing and focus on it.
3. Make it Work for Everyone
Once you know what you want to focus on, find a few actions that will support it. And make sure that the actions
are fun and meaningful for everyone. "After all, a tradition comes about because it works for all—or most—of the
family members involved," said developmental psychologist Dr. Harriet Mosatche. "If they want to see something
continued, they'll put effort into making sure it stays around."
Is music important to you and yours? Plan a talent show for after the big meal. Find a way for all to show off their
talents—from the littlest kid to the eighty-year-olds. Babies love to dance to music and what's more
heartwarming that having grandparents and grand kids sing, play, or dance together?
4. Repeat Often
And don't wait for the next big get-together to do it again. Did everyone enjoy the talent show? Have fun at the
game? What about the pot luck? Get your neighbors/friends together for one next month—what a way to blend
friends, food, and fun! And isn't that what family traditions are all about?
by Patricia Paddock
Don't wait for a holiday or birthday. Find the things you love and celebrate them all year long. Themes can center
around birthdays, sports, the beach, and more!
2. Decide What's Important
"Family traditions start because parents decide that something is important. And then they act on that 'important'
thing—and broaden it so that their kids will act on it too," Arliss, a new mother, offered. So, what's important to
you? Is it spending time with family? Honoring the differences in cultures and religions? Helping others? Being
healthy and active? Pick one thing and focus on it.
3. Make it Work for Everyone
Once you know what you want to focus on, find a few actions that will support it. And make sure that the actions
are fun and meaningful for everyone. "After all, a tradition comes about because it works for all—or most—of the
family members involved," said developmental psychologist Dr. Harriet Mosatche. "If they want to see something
continued, they'll put effort into making sure it stays around."
Is music important to you and yours? Plan a talent show for after the big meal. Find a way for all to show off their
talents—from the littlest kid to the eighty-year-olds. Babies love to dance to music and what's more
heartwarming that having grandparents and grand kids sing, play, or dance together?
4. Repeat Often
And don't wait for the next big get-together to do it again. Did everyone enjoy the talent show? Have fun at the
game? What about the pot luck? Get your neighbors/friends together for one next month—what a way to blend
friends, food, and fun! And isn't that what family traditions are all about?
by Patricia Paddock
