Continuing the notes from my last post… Christina shared quite a bit about the importance of tradion with our children. She also noted the significance of lining up our chosen traditions with our family mission statement. She is consistent in communicating that it is imperative that we are intentionl in all the choices we make as parents. It\’s not just about surviving these years with children. The following ere are some ideas I was drawn to…
*On Grandparents day, bring out pictures of grandparents. Talk about them, remember them if they have past away. Or, do it on that grandparent\’s birthday - even if he/she has passed away.
*The tradition of texture, smell, etc.. This one was my favorite idea of the day… Fill your home with lots of this. She gave the example of the grown child walking through college campus. He/she walks past a new construction site. He/she smells the cut lumber and remembers back to the time spent with dad in his shop. What if at that moment there was a choice struggle and that smell triggered the rememberance of home? That experience helps influence the choice. Sounds complex, but I know the familiar smell of a happy home has brought comfort to me… She also pointed out the importance of creating an emotionally healthy home atmosphere. She gave the example of her grumpy grandmother and the dish that sparks feelings of insecurity and conflict. I never realized how the simple things like the smell of cookies or candles, mixed with the heart of the mother and/or father can be so significant.
*On the child\’s birthday, create a circle chart with your child. Make a fun meeting out of it (hot chocolate, etc..) In the inner circle, write the child\’s name. In the next cirlce, note what the child had accomplished that year, and note that child\’s responsibilities and privileges. In the outer circle write what the child can anticipate he/she might accomplish, assign new responsibilities, and of course, special privileges that come with the added responsibilities.
*Have a graduation day at the end of the school year. Make a little ceremony (this seems like an especailly good idea for homeschoolers to mark the end of the season). Christina said her husband would write a \”State of the Union\” for each child and write about his heart for each child and his observations over that year. I really like the idea of the dad getting involved and building up each child with the father\’s words of love.
*Have \”Hot Chocolate Meetings\” and take time to listen, ask questions, and highlight why you are proud of your child.
*Create the tradition of surprise! Stage a \”kidnapping\” (unexpectedly steal your child away and go have fun, just the 2 of you!).
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