Moms Talk Network

I remember reading this article about Jennie Garth in People Magazine.  Her family has a bunch of traditions like Friday movie nights, bingo tournaments, and the “Blue-Plate Special”:  Whenever someone in the family accomplishes something, they get to eat dinner on the special blue plate.  How cute is that!

Creating fun family traditions not only provides an ongoing sense of closeness in the family, but also creates a sense of expectation and excitement.  There’s always something to look forward to.  And for moms like me, who get a little teary-eyed when milestones are met, traditions are a perfect way to celebrate positive changes in your lives.

Brainstorm

Get the family together to brainstorm ideas.  Encourage each person to come up with at least one fun tradition they’d like to do.  Try to make the traditions tailored to your family’s likes and dislikes, and don’t be afraid to get a little silly.  If little Jimmy wants the family to eat 500 jelly beans for dessert every Sunday, then let him have his fun.  Well, maybe not!  But you could probably persuade him to have a “Make your own Sundae on Sunday” tradition.  This way jelly beans are optional, and he still feels like he contributed to the idea.

The point is to have fun as a family.   Below are some ideas to get you started.

Family Nights

Like Jennie’s family, you can do movie and game nights.  You can make it even more fun and silly by having theme nights.  If your kids love Disney, make it a “Disney Movie Night” where everyone dresses up like their favorite Disney character.  Or if your kids are older, make it a “Worst Sci-Fi Movies Ever Night”.

One-On-One Time

Each parent can have regular one-on-one time with each of the kids.  Make it something special that you only do with that child.  If your daughter loves to dance, take her to the ballet once a month.  If your son loves photography, scope out a new nature spot to explore and photograph.

Family in the Community

There’s nothing better than showing your children how fun it can be to help others.  Each month choose a “giving” opportunity that the entire family can be involved in.  It can be as small as choosing an old toy to donate to a needy child, or it can be as big as organizing a “Fun Run” in the neighborhood to benefit the local children’s hospital.

Celebrate the Good Times

Like Jennie’s “Blue Plate Special”, I think it’s great to single out each member of the family who does something significant.  This way, no matter how small an accomplishment is, each accomplishment is celebrated in the same way.

But for big celebrations, like graduations, wouldn’t it be fun to plan a family adventure?  Whichever person is graduating gets to choose the destination…within reason, of course!

What are some fun and silly traditions you have in your family?
photo credit: ^riza^