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Are You Unknowingly Poisoning Your Family?
This is a pretty harsh question to have to ask yourself, but most parents don’t realize that if they are buying bleach, air fresheners, dish detergent, laundry detergent, disinfectants, other household cleaners and some personal care products that...
Children’s Birthday Party Planning: When and When Not to Have a Big Party
Age 1: Invite only family members and close friends only because this birthday is more for the parents than for the child. At age 1, a child doesn’t understand the concept of “Birthday Party.” He or she is getting a lot of attention---which is all...
Family Vacations and Expectations
It’s that time of year again: Time for the family vacation. It’s a good time to rethink some things like perfectionism, expectations, and the meaning of the word “vacation.” First of all, we call it a “vacation,” but if you’re the parent, it isn’t...
Rediscovering Love and Intimacy
Wendy started counseling with me because Terence, her husband of 14 years, had just expressed to her that he wanted to end their relationship. Wendy, terrified of being alone, was panicked. Within a few minutes of speaking with her in a phone...
The Gift My Brother Couldn't Give
From the book A Heartland Christmas Collection
Gary Anderson
www.abciowa.com
In the first years after my brothers, sister, and I left home, there were several Christmases in which our ability to give fell far short of our desire. In...
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Creating Family Traditions
It is so important to have traditions. They are part of the glue that holds families together.
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CREATING FAMILY TRADITIONS
It is so important to have traditions. They are part of the glue that holds families together. Traditions are beneficial in several ways. First, they give children and even teens a sense of security. They know that in an uncertain world, some things stay the same. Traditions also foster closeness in the immediate and extended family. Lasting memories are formed, and hopefully our children will continue the customs in their own homes and make more of their own.
Here are some suggestions for creating some family traditions. None are hard to do. These have worked over the years for our family.
SUNDAY DINNER
We started this when my first son was a baby. My mother, sister and brother-in-law, my husband, sons, and I get together for a carry-in dinner every Sunday. We take turns hosting the dinner at our houses. Whoever makes the main dish has the dinner at their house. After my dad died, this was especially meaningful to my mother. It gives us all something for which to look forward.
FRIDAY NIGHT MOVIE AND PIZZA
Every Friday night my family and my husband's brother get together for a movie. Usually we have pizza for supper on Friday because it is the end of a tiring work week. I can either throw one in the oven or call in one to be delivered.
We have watched some really good movies and some we tried were not as good as they were advertised to be. However, we get a kick out of my 86 year old mother watching these wild action movies that all the guys like! She's interested, too!.
GAME NIGHT
This is one thing that we tried to do when the boys were younger. It was a little harder to keep up with, because of extra-curricular activities and homework. It is nice to set aside one evening of the week, maybe Wednesday, and have everyone sit at the kitchen table and play board games.
READING TOGETHER
Being a teacher, I have read to my children since they were just a few months old. My husband and I memorized Dr. Seuss's "ABC" book! Then as the boys got older, we got into action books and mysteries. I enjoyed them as much as the kids did. It was a nice, calm way to end the day and get settled for bed.
NIGHTLY DEVOTIONS AND PRAYER
From the time the boys were young, I tried to establish the importance of regular
Bible reading and prayer. When they were small, we read short Bible stories and had short prayers. Even now, as teens, we read the Bible and pray over any issues in their lives.
I LOVE YOU
Saying "I Love You" seems like such a small thing, but it is so important. We tell each other that before we part for school or work, and before going to bed at night.
HOLIDAYS AND BIRTHDAYS
We always use these as an excuse to get together with family and friends. Have your children help with the planning to make them feel more apart of it. We take turns at each other's houses. For instance, Christmas dinner is at my mother's. Fourth of July is at my sister's pool.
VACATIONS AND CAMPING
Taking vacations or camping trips together can be a great way to build memories. One year, we rented a condo that was big enough for my mother, sister and her husband, and the four of us. My boys were about five and nine years old. We had fake arguments over coffee all week long. My sister likes her's weak, and I like mine as strong as Dutch coffee!
When the week was over, and everyone was back home, my boys said what they missed the most was us joking over coffee!
ANNIVERSARY DATES
My husband and I would always plan a date for our anniversary. We would go to a nice restaurant and maybe a movie. When the kids were younger, we would rent movies, call in pizza, and they would spend the evening with Grandma. It was a treat for all of us.
We all need traditions. As my children get older, I realize how quickly the time passes. I am glad that we put forth the extra effort to keep up with these different activities. I hope you find some of them enjoyable, too.
About the Author
Inez Haythorn is a Christian wife, mother, elementary school teacher, pianist, and freelance writer. Her main writing interests are Christian writing, and writing about lifestyles and memoirs of the past. She is the publisher of Christian Family Treasures, Heirloom Memories, and Cherished Collections. Her goal is to glorify and honor God, and bless and help others. Copyright 2003. All rights reserved. http://www.christianfamilytreasures.com http://www.heirloom-memories.com http://www.cherishedcollections.com
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Family.org |
Offers practical help for marriage and child-rearing. Recent magazine articles, letters from Dr. James Dobson, news, and RealAudio broadcasts. |
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Family - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia |
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Family Life Today |
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WorldVillage - A Family Friendly Portal for Families, Kids, Adults ... |
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Google Directory - Home > Family |
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Family Research Council: Wednesday, December 6, 2006 |
Christian organization promoting the traditional family unit and the Judeo-Christian value system upon which it is built. Provides links, commentary, news, ... |
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Sesame Workshop - Home Page |
The non-profit educational organization behind the show and related educational outreach. |
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National Sex Offender Registry |
Free national US search for registered sex offenders. Map registered sex offenders to see who lives in your area. |
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FHI Family Health International |
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National Family Caregivers Association |
Caregiving advocacy organization with tips and statistics on caregiving in America. |
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