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Family traditions are the glue that holds us together, whether it’s bonding over a shared meal or cracking jokes over a board game. They're not just for the holidays — they create a sense of stability, provide something to look forward to, and give your kids something solid to stand on when life gets a bit wobbly.
As Susan Lieberman, Ph.D., Psychologist and Author, says, "Family traditions counter alienation and confusion. They help us define who we are; they provide something steady, reliable and safe in a confusing world."
How Crafting Meaningful Family Traditions Ripples Through Time
Family traditions don’t just impact the present — they’re the gift that keeps on giving. Kids will either carry them on, maybe with a few creative tweaks, or start their own traditions with their own kids. The point is, they become part of the family DNA. The way you spend time together, the rituals you create, and the love you pour into these moments are going to shape their futures — whether they’re making pancakes at 4 am or organising the annual family camping trip.
Different Types of Family Traditions
There are a ton of options for crafting meaningful family traditions and you don't have to stop at one. Mix them with daily activities, weekly events, or yearly holiday traditions.
Weekly Family Nights: Set aside a night each week for a no-tech, no-stress family night. Could be a movie marathon, game night, or a BBQ where everyone contributes. Just make sure the phones stay away.
Seasonal Activities: The year is filled with opportunities for seasonal family celebrations. The start of spring could mean a camping trip or a day hike. The beginning of summer could be celebrated with a trip to the beach. Autumn is an excellent time for camping while the weather is still cool.
Annual Special Events: Decorating the house during the holidays is a fun activity all the family can enjoy. It's also a perfect time for a family reunion to get together with an extended family you don't see as often as you would like.
Age-Appropriate Traditions
Traditions grow with your kids. And no, they don't stop once they're teenagers — they just get a little more creative.
Toddlers
Weekly story time: Kids pick the story (even if it’s the same one for the 37th time).
Dance parties: Turn the living room into a dance floor. Bonus points for Dad trying to twerk.
Cooking with Dad: Little chefs in training. Plus, they might actually eat their broccoli if they help cook it.
Themed craft sessions: Finger-painting isn’t just for art class. Think Easter eggs or homemade Christmas ornaments.
School Kids
Monthly adventure days: Hike, museum, sports match – anything that gets everyone out of the house.
Dad's book club: Read together, chat about the book, and feel like you’re fostering a future literary genius.
Volunteer together: Cleaning up the park or walking rescue dogs – it's a chance to teach compassion.
Learn a skill: Hobbies like woodwork, car maintenance, or gardening are excellent skills you could pass on. Start with small projects and build up as they master each skill.
Cultural meal nights: Choose a cuisine from a different culture and learn to cook a meal from that country. This will allow kids to expand their tastes and learn about different traditions around the world.
Teens and Young Adults
Share a creative talent: Whether it’s music, art, or writing, it’s a way to connect over something they care about.
Sports: Children who are into sports will appreciate a dad who takes an interest and shows up to their matches or competitions.
Hobby clubs: Is your teenager into hobbies like collecting or cosplay? Plan a day to hang out at local meet-ups or visit an annual convention.
DADDING IN ACTION |
Pick one family tradition to start this week—movie night, a walk, or a weekly dinner—and make it a regular part of your routine. |
RESOURCES:
Podcast:
Tune in to The Dadkit Podcast," Dr. Justin Coulson's podcast for practical advice and insights on building stronger, more connected relationships with your kids.
Book:
"The Power of Moments" explores the psychology of creating defining moments and meaningful experiences that will shape your family's sense of identity and belonging.
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