Traditions

It's almost Easter.  When my children were small, it was a time for dyeing eggs, chocolate bunnies and a feast that always included cheese grits and a coconut lamb cake.  We gathered to celebrate our faith and our family.  We still do.  Some of the people we loved most of all are no longer at the table, but their great grandchildren enjoy the same traditions and rituals that are important to our family. The place-card vases above were my Mother's.  Her great-granddaughter and namesake, Annebelle, decorated the Easter table last year with flowers from my garden and chose where we would all sit for Easter lunch.

Family traditions are things that families do together on a regular basis. These things can be patterns of behavior, enjoyable activities or a certain food that a family likes. They can be repeated daily, weekly, monthly or once a year. It is important for families to observe their traditions even as their children get older, here are five reasons why:
 
Family traditions create good feelings and special moments to remember. They are fun things to do. Enjoying this time together as a family will create positive emotions in each member. These are the memories that will last a lifetime.
Family traditions give every member of the family a stronger sense of belonging. Being a part of a family is more than living in the same home or having the same last name. It is about relationships and family bonds. Since family traditions are something you do together, they strengthen the bonds you have between each other creating a stronger sense of belonging to the family.
Family traditions help your teen with his/her identity. It helps to know that you ‘belong’ when you are trying to figure out who you are, which is a main job of the adolescent. A family that encourages a teen to be a part of it and its traditions provides a strong foundation for teens to stand on when they’re searching and defining their sense of self.
Family traditions help parents impart the family’s values to their children. To start, you get more time to model your family values to your teen. Showing your teen what having the ability to love is all about happens naturally when you spend quality time together – like during a traditional family activity. You will also find more opportunities to talk to your teen about serious issues and keep the conversations light when you observe a family traditions.
Family traditions offer your teen a sense a security. Everyday your teen faces some very difficult issues. Knowing that he/she is secure and has a family to turn to is a powerful tool to use against negative peer pressure, drug use influences, etc.
There are more reasons for families to observe their traditions, but the five above are the most important for parents of teenagers to remember. Do not make the mistake of thinking that because your child is older now you should no longer adhere to the rituals that help define your family. You still need them – and so does your teen.  So get out the Easter baskets and start filling Easter Eggs.  It's important.  chrissie