As aptly put by Kathy T.
Heustess, “We all bring issues, traditions and rituals from our families of
origin. Couples must figure out what to keep and what to discard as they create
a new union and blend their expectations”.
A family ritual is
something that all the members of the family do together. It varies from a
family to another depending upon their traditions and beliefs. It could be as
small as cooking a meal together or singing a particular song at bed time every
night. A family ritual gives each member a sense of identity and helps raise the
vibration of any home to a happy home.
I am listing a set of 5
Family Rituals that are not backed up by any one custom or belief system. You
may choose to pick either one or all and make it a part of your family practice.
The goal here is to spend quality time with your kids and spouse.
1. Family Hug:
We all love to be loved and cared for, and a hug everyday can be icing on the
cake. A casual hug is not what I am referring to here but a hug that is as warm
and cuddly as a big teddy bear’s hug. Make it a point to circle for a family
hug every day. You can choose a time, during the day before the spouse(s) leave
for work and kids are off to school. Or each night before bed time. You can
also extend the family hug to days when someone in the family is fighting
blues. To let them know that they are not alone. A family hug also works best
to celebrate a family member’s achievement in school or at work!
2. Family Day:
Choose a day in a month when all the family members are off from work and
school. Plan it a week in advance. Make it a family day. Do not entertain any
friends or colleagues on that day. Try and keep your phones on airplane mode
for the day, if possible. You may plan the day for a family entertainer movie
or a bowling game or a picnic. Going for a long drive to nearby places for
lunch is yet another option. If kids are still young take them to a play zone
and spend some quality time with them. At the end of the day you will have
happy and tired kids. And a contended parent yourself without a doubt.
3. Bed Time Stories: Bed
time is a special time to bond with your kids. They are keen listeners. Also, a
proven fact is that we subconsciously think about the thoughts that we sleep
with. Grab this time as an opportunity to teach your kids the good values that
you want to see them grow up with. There are loads of good stories to share.
From Panchtantra to Ramayana, from Shravan Kumar’s story to Bal Krishna’s life
instances, from Eklavya’s story of his gratitude towards his teacher to the
land of Fairytales. Story telling inculcates in kids the value of relationships
in their life. It also gives roots to their imagination and creative solutions
for simple problems.
4. Day Review: Every
night make it a ritual to ask the kids what they liked about the day’s
activities. And anything they did not like and why? It will help you understand
them better. This ritual facilitates kids to share even their deepest fears,
sorrows and concerns with the parents.
5. Pray Together:
Last but not the least, pray together. Create a prayer or an affirmation that
is familiar to just your family. Choose a particular time, morning or evening,
to conduct the activity. Say the prayer or affirmation you and your kids
composed together. Teach them the power of prayer.
Rituals have always been an integral part of human
race. Formulate a few special customs to follow with your kids. Nurture
tomorrow’s future with today’s wisdom.
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