Start a Tradition

by Tatiana
(Los Angeles, CA)

Start a Family Tradition - Pillow Fighting

There is nothing sweeter than hearing, "Remember when we did such and such?" at the dinner table. You'd be amazed at the smallest gestures, activities, and outings that kids remember. But the most important memories of all are the things you remember to do on a regular basis.

Some traditions are annual (like building a paper chain of nice things we do for each other before the Holidays) or frequent routines (like going to the library or park), but regardless, repeated and joyful activities will stick in your children's minds forever.

Be careful of missing a tradition that your kids are looking forward to on a regular basis. They may grow to depend on these gems of childhood! Try to retain and repeat the ones that really seem to touch a chord with the family.

You may also want to phase out traditions that are more work than enjoyment for you and the rest of the family. If you are feeling tortured making 85 pounds of intricate cookies and then feel guilty that they have to be eaten, you might want to trim your recipe, time and effort back to a symbolic level and find something else that you really enjoy.

Enjoy!