Family rituals are the cement that strengthens the foundation of the family. They are especially needed by children at a young age. We have prepared 12 family rituals that teach responsibility and kindness
The American Psychological Association has published material based on 50 years of research on rituals. And according to him, it is family rituals that provide children with psychological stability, educational success and even health. They especially help in difficult life situations: a transitional period, divorce of parents or problems at school.
Responsibility rituals
These rituals show children that hard work can be enjoyable too. So they will understand what responsibility is from an early age.
1. Household duties. Children love to feel important. It is important for them to understand that, for example, without their participation in table settingfamily members will not be able to dine. Give your child one of these household chores.
2. Cleaning time.
Cleaning is also a part of family life / istockphoto.com
3. Common tasks. The work on which the whole family is working brings unprecedented pleasure. Whether it's peeling peas or painting the wall.
Kindness rituals
The following rituals can help teach your child kindness and compassion:
4. Meditation. A short meditation of love and kindness, you can do with the whole family before bed. It encourages the best emotions in children, in the future it will help children to be positive and generous in praise. Say what you wish for your family: happiness, health, protection from all troubles.
5. Volunteering. Family volunteering is not very popular in Ukraine. But when you voluntarily, for free, help others, you show your children disinterestedness and kindness. Help in the kitchen for the homeless, for example.
Positive attitude rituals
They relieve stress and raise the level of positive mood in all family members.
6. Minutes of hugs. This ritual allows the family to slow down. It is enough to set aside 5-10 minutes after work or school, hugging each other. Kelly Holmes, author of Happy You, Happy Family, recommends this method if anxiety or stress is present in the family.
7. Discussions of the day. Analyze the day, remember all the pleasant things and not so much, you can at dinner. Try to get your child to talk. Don't comment on or correct your child, just listen to him.
Communication rituals
Bedtime rituals are some of the most powerful. They help to strengthen the bond with children, relax them on dream and, in general, have a good effect on the psychological health of children.
Here are some ideas:
Bedtime rituals are the strongest / istockphoto.com
8. Massage. If your child responds well to touch, end the evening with a relaxing massage.
9. Songs. Pick a couple of good night songs and sing them softly together.
10. Stories. Imagine with your children. You can choose a couple of characters, and give the child the opportunity to come up with a story associated with them.
11. Bedtime rituals can be very funny. For example, you can say, “Good night,” to each part of the child’s body: “Sweet dreams, heel; Sleep soundly, nose. " All this is accompanied by kisses.
12. Theme nights.. For example, Friday is pizza day. Cook together, enjoy.
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