In any family, whether complete or not, traditions arise as they develop and exist. Some develop quite naturally, others are the result of the joint work of a wife, husband and even children. Family traditions are of particular importance: they give family members happiness, joy, and make the common home a place where they feel comfortable and cozy.
From a psychological point of view, which deserves attention, for any family circle, common traditions are a factor that strengthens the relationship between men and women, their children and parents. The article discusses what family traditions there are, shows how to create them and gives specific examples.
What are family traditions?
Family traditions are norms, behavior patterns, and customs accepted by all family members. But the concept of “custom” is different from the concept of “tradition”. What exactly will be shown later.
Traditions are also spoken of in the case of features characteristic of relationships between family members. Any tradition can be based on memories, experience, or simply something that a family accepts as unique to it. Not always, but quite often their combination is individual for an individual family. When starting a family, some people do not think about family traditions. However, their formation is inevitable. There are plenty of examples: going to the cinema on weekends, watching TV series on weekday evenings, baking cakes on Friday evenings and more.
Do you consider family traditions valuable?
Yes, family traditions are important for any family. They really strengthen relationships.
40%
Yes, but if we are not talking about fanaticism. When every day is another tradition, life together turns into a performance.
20%
No. The main thing is to live in perfect harmony. I feel good with my partner even without traditions.
40%
Voted: 5
Sometimes there are men and women who have been literally accustomed to traditions since childhood. They prefer to transfer them to their families, not to change or transform them, to adapt them to their partner, children or everyday life.
In any case, the presence of family traditions is a factor that strengthens families. They have a positive impact on all areas of the spouses’ lives, from solving everyday problems to raising children and planning their future life.
What are there
Family traditions are usually associated with the pastime of its members on weekdays and holidays, with food and leisure. They are a certain core, reflecting the moral position characteristic of the family.
These could be religious customs, pastimes on holidays, dishes served during special occasions or just on weekends. This also includes outdoor games, hikes, even performances, if parents and children can sing, tell and show something.
The diversity of family values is also associated with people’s nationality. Small nations are often characterized by traditional things that have been passed down from generation to generation for centuries.
Types of family traditions
Family traditions may vary from family to family. However, this is not the rule.
There are also some common ones, that is, characteristic of many complete and single-parent families. The most common examples are given and discussed below.
Celebration of significant dates
Generally speaking, we are talking about celebrating the birthdays of parents, children, New Year, Easter and not only within the family circle. During the celebration of significant dates, close and dear people gather - this is the rule, and only in this case can we talk about the existence of a tradition. Yes, some relatives may not always be present at the holiday, but this does not mean that the celebration will be postponed. Although there are exceptions: we are talking about a situation where a specific date is extremely significant for all family members without exception.
What type of family traditions do you find the warmest?
Celebration of dates. This seems to strengthen the relationship the most.
14.29%
Event meeting. When a family gets together to celebrate an important event, it's great. This is respect.
14.29%
Trips and travel. Family holidays – isn’t it great?
71.43%
Attending events. When a tradition also becomes useful (not in terms of strengthening the family) – that’s great.
0%
Voted: 7
There are other examples. These are often family holidays when loved ones celebrate a memorable event. It could be one of the family members receiving an award for their services, or celebrating the anniversary of their acquaintance. There are plenty of examples. But this does not change the essence.
Joint meeting of important events
Examples:
- housewarming;
- birth of a child;
- wedding (regular anniversaries are celebrated);
- death of a relative (funeral).
Not all of these and similar examples should be considered traditions in the literal sense of the word. The fact is that, for example, it is unfair to consider housewarming a tradition, as well as its celebration. Tradition in this context is precisely meetings of close people and relatives, where they are ready to support each other, share joy or sadness.
Joint trips, travel
As a tradition, family trips and trips together significantly strengthen relationships. The fact is that a joint vacation or vacation is something that gives a lot of impressions. And it’s very good when family members experience these impressions together. They not only have common impressions, but also common memories, common experiences. This leads to strengthening the bond between adults and children.
Attending events
Going to the movies, theaters, visiting exhibitions and more is a useful custom, a good tradition. Especially in the case of exclusively cultural events that contribute to the development of the personality of each family member. This is almost the same as traveling, only it concerns the enrichment of cultural experience: by gaining new knowledge and ideas together, families unite and become united through joint leisure.
How they are created
It's quite easy to create a family tradition. To do this, you need your own desire and consent of loved ones. Then you can proceed according to the following algorithm:
It is necessary to come up with some kind of tradition, and it is best to make sure that as many relatives as possible are involved in it - this will help create a comfortable atmosphere.- The next step is the most important - turning your plans into reality. It is very important to accompany the event with positive emotions, then all household members will have a pleasant impression, and everyone will want to repeat it again.
- However, there is no need to introduce new traditions into family life every week. There is no need to rush, because it will take some time for the new to take root.
- At the same time, in order for the tradition to take root, everyone must ensure its regular repetition. Unless, of course, there are serious obstacles to this.
The importance of family traditions
Family holidays, joint overcoming of problems, for example, related to the loss of relatives and more - all this brings family members closer together. The fact is that even the most banal preparation for a holiday or other significant event for the family is that, first of all:
- makes the atmosphere inside the family special, comfortable for adults and children;
- strengthens bonds between family members.
Positive sides
In any of the cases, family traditions cannot be characterized other than positively. They strengthen families, as has already been noted, and contribute to the development of the child and his upbringing in a positive and friendly atmosphere.
From a psychological point of view, it should be especially noted that family traditions are one of the integral aspects of a happy union between a man and a woman. By possessing them, appreciating them and following them, first spouses and then parents have the opportunity to build a strong union for life. The most important thing is the weather in the house. And it can be managed through such a tool as family traditions.
Speaking about the positive aspects of family traditions, it should be noted first of all that in no case can they be associated with negativity. No one will take conflicts on Fridays as a tradition, for example.
Examples of traditions shared with children
Speaking about the importance of family traditions for children, the following aspects should be noted:
- the presence of traditions and common holidays, spending time together or attending any events is beneficial for the psyche of children. It is strengthened and shaped under the influence of the attitude that family is one of the most important things in the world;
- Feeling the close connections in the family and the closeness of the parents, the child begins to feel stability and security. This contributes to the comfort of his development and has a beneficial effect on his upbringing.
How important do you think family traditions are for children?
Exactly as you write. I believe that traditions strengthen the psyche of children and contribute to their development.
40%
I think a lot depends on the type of traditions and features. If, for example, it’s just breakfast with gloomy faces, the tradition has no value.
40%
I don't think they are important. Much more important is proper upbringing.
20%
Voted: 5
Family traditions are important. Not only for children, but also for adults. All members of any family unite through them, gradually become whole, come to each other’s aid, support and show care.
If for some reason you cannot devote too much time to your child, we recommend that you make it a rule and regularly spend leisure time with him, using the examples of events (or activities - as convenient) given below. Over time, they will become traditions and will have a positive effect on the atmosphere within the family, and will positively influence the child to perceive the latter as one of the most significant institutions of society.
Shared meals
Starting to have breakfast together at the same table or dinner or lunch on the weekend is a good tradition. While eating together, you can talk with the children about how they are doing at school or in the section, what significant events have happened to them, just joke and communicate on abstract topics.
This way you can easily instill in your child the idea that a family is not just a common life and one house (or one apartment) for everyone, but also a place where everyone loves and deeply respects each other. This will also eliminate the possibility that the child will feel superfluous and unnecessary.
Hugs and kisses
Another good tradition, especially from the point of view of the development and upbringing of children, is hugs and kisses. You can, for example, start hugging your child every time he leaves for school, greeting him with a kiss on the cheek. Hugs can be used as a way of greeting, and kisses, for example, after a verbal goodbye for the night. For the child this will be a sign of sincere and pure love, and for the parents it will be a way to show him that he is important.
However, this tradition is only good for young children. Sometimes she works with girls in their teens. This may not work with boys: hugs and kisses are more likely to push them away than to connect them.
Psychologists say that you should be careful with close expressions of love and care in the form of hugs and kisses. Some mentally unstable children may develop abnormal tendencies. For this reason, such a tradition should be moderate and appropriate.
Preparing for the New Year
Decorating the Christmas tree with your child, preparing gifts for each other, ordering the services of Father Frost and the Snow Maiden means making him happy. This makes the child believe in miracles and gives him unforgettable childhood moments that he will remember throughout his life.
The value of preparing together for the New Year and other holidays is high, especially for children and parents who, for objective reasons, cannot often spend time together. Celebrating together is no less important - it brings children and adults even closer together.
Household duties
If you make household chores not duties at all, but a fun game or a family tradition associated with the distribution of responsibilities, you can involve the child in simple household chores. And he will not resist them.
To begin with, you should try inviting your child to clean the room, explaining that his parents do this too. Additionally, it should be shown that cleanliness and order are good: toys or things do not get lost, there is always a lot of free space in the room. First, you can start doing something with your child together to show him care and a desire to help.
The more you do household chores together, the better your child will feel about it. Over time, he will no longer need reminders. It will connect to mom, who is wiping down furniture, to dad, who is busy fixing an outlet. From a simple joint activity, any household chore can develop into the habit of taking part in solving everyday problems.
Cooperative games
Play is an excellent tool for education and development. Children, especially small ones, love to play with their parents. Thanks to this, they have pleasant memories and develop useful habits if the games are developmental in nature. Even if a child asks to play something with him that you are not entirely interested in, do not refuse. Taking part in something that interests him shows respect and love. This is especially important if there is no time for regular activities with the child.
Bedtime Stories
Reading bedtime stories to young children is one of the best and most common family traditions. It is especially valuable for young children. Fairy tales teach them morality, form ideas about good and evil, and develop children's imagination and thinking. Young children who are deprived of bedtime stories, as psychologists note, are more likely to develop a fear of the dark, are afraid to sleep alone and begin to feel unwanted.
A short bedtime story is something that will certainly bring you and your child closer.
Traditions for husband and wife
A husband and wife should have their own personal traditions that would strengthen their union and connection not only with the child, but also with each other. Below are 3 examples of such traditions. By taking note of them and adapting them to the peculiarities of your life with your other half, you can strengthen your love and affection for each other.
- A tradition for travelers or those who often go on business trips without a significant other.
Its essence is as follows: when in this or that city, in another country, make it a habit to send postcards to your lover. You can write absolutely everything in them, from words of love and memories of happy moments to descriptions of your own experiences and sensations. You can even have a family box and a beautifully designed folder and put all the cards there. And sometimes re-read. This is a simple and banal tradition, but it really brings people together.
Have you tried to create a tradition yourself? Happened?
Yes. And not just one. The experience is colossal. I'm lucky with my partner because he hasn't turned down a single offer yet.
0%
Yes, but with difficulty. My partner and I were able to quickly accept some of them; we liked them. Some were untenable.
0%
No. I don't think family traditions are important.
25%
No, but after reading the article I will try.
75%
Voted: 4
- A tradition for couples with children.
It is suitable for those men and women who have the opportunity to leave their children with their parents at least once a week or hire a nanny. A free day should be completely devoted to each other: cooking food together or choosing dishes for delivery, watching a movie, doing your favorite things. And even try something new in bed. As simple and banal as postcards, but no less effective in terms of bringing people together.
- Universal tradition.
She is as simple and banal as everyone else. Make it a habit to talk to each other about love every night before going to bed. Remember pleasant moments, discuss plans, share achievements and even divide problems in half..
Creating a family tradition is a big plus for a relationship. Love and appreciate each other, do not let warm feelings descend to the level of affection. All in your hands
Sea, seagulls, beach, cocktails on the shore
Photo by Unsplash
Of course, following this tradition every weekend will be too expensive (what can I say - few people can afford it), but at least once a year is simply a must. And to prevent your vacation from being boring (only with books in the sun loungers), you need to use all the opportunities to diversify it. That is, teach your kids how to float on the water, go diving, go on interesting excursions, take the most amazing photographs and have a lot of fun so that they have something to remember later.
Creating a Family Tradition
Positive and negative aspects of family life are its integral parts. Life in a family is not only about having dinner together, spending time together on weekends, or helping each other. There will be conflicts, misunderstandings, and other negative aspects. Family traditions will help smooth out their influence on the union and internal climate in the family, as well as strengthen relationships between its members.
What family traditions do you have?
My partner and I regularly spend one day off together. This is exactly as it is written: children - for parents, free time - for us.
25%
We go on Saturdays or other days, but regularly, to the cinema, to the skating rink, shopping and other places. We just choose an entertainment center and go there with the whole family.
50%
We have no traditions. We live spontaneously.
25%
Voted: 4
Here are 4 rules for the implementation and implementation of any idea to create a family tradition:
- Do something you choose together regularly. Regularity determines whether an idea or activity becomes a tradition.
- Don't force your partner or child into doing things they don't find interesting. This will alienate and become a failure on the path to creating a tradition.
- Strive to find areas of maximum overlap between areas of interest. This is a consequence of the second rule. Compliance with them will ensure the sustainability and stability of any family tradition.
- Don't be upset if some tradition is broken for objective reasons. For example, it is not always possible to leave children with their parents or nanny for the day; it is not always possible to spend the evening with the whole family watching a movie. However, this is not a reason for sadness or sadness, for thoughts about the failure of tradition.
FAQ
Below are answers to frequently asked questions from our readers regarding the topic of family traditions.
What traditions can be weekly?
Any. This is, for example, a joint breakfast, family weekends with common affairs and activities. An even more specific particular example is football days. If a child goes to a section, you can attend his competitions or other games on such days; if the husband and wife love football, you can replace them with broadcasts of movies or TV series. There are plenty of examples. You can do something you enjoy doing regularly as a family. There are no frames.
What traditions do the Russian people have?
Each of us knows about them. This is a celebration of wedding day, Easter, Christmas and more with the whole family. Another example is building and remembering a family tree. Less common, but still there is a tradition in which Russian people name newborns in honor of one of their older ancestors. Some families prefer to give their children names in honor of saints, whose name days are usually celebrated on baptism days.
What is the difference between customs and traditions?
They have common features, are often tied to elements of a social or cultural nature, and are stable. However, traditions are broader formations, although they develop much faster: customs are formed over decades and even centuries.
What traditions do Ukrainians have?
Despite the fact that Russians and Ukrainians are divided, that someone is deliberately sowing the seeds of hostility, despite propaganda, which should be understood, nothing can break the commonality of our traditions. Russians and Ukrainians are fraternal peoples. Our traditions are the same.
We involve the whole family in gifts
Another holiday is coming? This means it’s time to start a tradition of preparing a gift together. And it doesn’t matter for whom it is intended - everyone should participate (except for the person being congratulated, of course). Moreover, we are talking not only about beautiful packaging and a colorful postcard created by ourselves, but also about the ceremonial decoration of the house, a jointly prepared festive dinner, a special congratulation from the whole family and, of course, a surprise (a concert ticket, a live tropical butterfly, a “box in a box”, etc.).
