Spring Growth: Family Traditions

As we continue to look at how we can grow our family bonds this spring, let's consider keeping and creating family traditions.  Do you remember any family traditions you may have had growing up?  How do you feel when you think about them?  ...Nostalgic, maybe?  ...Or maybe you recall warm feelings of family?  This is why it is so important to have family traditions for your kids.

Following traditions will help your family stay in touch with your own culture and create a never ending bond.  I remember having several family traditions as a child.  One of them was set for springtime...an Easter egg hunt.  This tradition is based on my religion and my family's faith, but also exhibits my culture.  I have a German ancestry in which we are known to decorate Easter trees.  Although, as a child, we did not make an Easter tree, we did decorate eggs and have a hunt.  Find a way to introduce your culture to your children.  Not only will they learn about your family's history, but you will have diverse activities that will bond your family and assist you in creating a nurturing environment.

Beyond continuing your own childhood traditions, create some new family traditions.  One that I created is our annual fall decorating night.  Every year the whole family sets out to decorate the house with lights, corn stalks, hay bales, mums, and scarecrows.  We end the evening with a treat of apple cider and donuts as we rest on the porch filled with fall decor.  The kids love it and we have a great time working together as a family.  We all look forward to it every year!  

Your kids will enjoy learning about your family history and creating a bond with you as you celebrate your culture through family traditions.