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2001 Volunteer Leader Training Guide
Using Family Routines, Rituals and Traditions to Guide Children
Implementing Family Rituals: Nine Helpful Hints
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Survey the rhythms in your family. What is happening or not
happening?
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Since "planfulness" is one of the key characteristics of
rituals, create opportunities to plan by holding regular family meetings.
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Embellish existing routines with more symbolism or affect.
Raise the family flag. Give goodnight hugs as part of the bedtime routine.
Say "I love you."
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Chain additional activities to existing routines. Instead of
creating new routines, enrich existing ones by adding steps. For example,
add meditation or prayer time to a morning routine, or read together each
night.
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Be consistent in the timing and delivery of routines and
rituals so a family tradition will be born. However, recognize that life
circumstances change. Children grow up and needs change. Also, be flexible
when needed.
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Use visual or auditory cues to signal transitions or link
elements within a routine or ritual. A hand clap, a bell or sudden silence
can all help us recognize the beginning of a routine.
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Celebrate family accomplishments, strengths or unifying
events by sharing family stories.
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Tell children about your childhood. What was school like
for you. What did you do as a teenager? What were you worried about?
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Tell stories of grandparents or great-grandparents. Make
heroes and heroines for your children.
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Share the meaning of symbols, heirlooms, or special
activities with children. If one doesn’t exist, create one.
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What is the meaning behind a jack o’ lantern, Cupid,
candy-cane, fireworks, the bald eagle, etc.
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Be patient. Build slowly and allow for flexibility.
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Remember, over-ritualized families often sacrifice "symbolic
meaning" for rigid observance of the "steps."
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Keep first things first. The main goal is to pass on to our
children a legacy rich in meaning, rich in values and rich in memories.
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