Important Family Rituals for Raising Happy, Well-rounded Kids

Family rituals family activities chore chart family routines Lynell Ross Stanford Children's Health family dinner time cuddles Dr. Robert Geisler Children's Hospital Los Angeles sense of security

By Lilian Scott , Parent Herald Dec 13, 11:12 pm

Family rituals or traditions and activities done together by the parents with their kids regularly are very significant to a child's growth and development into a well-adjusted and happy human being. These family rituals are very special because, through these activities, a child forms her own sense of identity and finds structure in her life.

Some family rituals may have been handed down for generations, such as opening presents on the eve of Christmas, or the family may create it as they discover fun activities to share, such as a crazy handshake shared by the father and son.

Here are some important family rituals to adopt in your own household to raise happy and well-rounded kids:

1. Incorporate a chore chart in your family's daily routines.

Some families have a chore chart assigning the tasks and responsibilities for each member. According to Lynell Ross, a behavioral expert, a chore chart helps children visualize what has to be done every day without the parents' nagging. It's also a good aid for teaching kids the value of teamwork.

Children who know that they are a part of a team develop a sense of belonging. The chore chart tells them that they are included in how the family should work together, which could boost their self-esteem.

2. Share one good thing about what happened for the day during dinner time.

Family dinners may seem routinary and burdensome in some households. However, Stanford Children's Health experts said that sitting down for one meal together as a family will promote sensible eating habits or teach the kids good table manners, as dinner times are the best moments for communication and learning how to share or listen to each other.

Parents can initiate a wonderful dinner time by asking each family member what one good thing happened to them that day. Asking this simple question and listening to what each family member has to say will show the kids that they are important, valued, and loved. While the kids may make snide remarks at each other, as siblings do, this could also be a teaching moment for the parents to impart respect, kindness, and compassion.

3. Make time for cuddles.

Cuddling gives the children a sense of security, according to Dr. Robert Geisler of the Children's Hospital in Los Angeles. No matter how old the children are, normalize cuddling in the family by doing this often. For instance, moms or dads can greet their kids with a long cuddle when they arrive home from work or school or when they wake up in the morning. Before bedtime, make five-minute family cuddles in bed a ritual for saying good night.

Parents of teenagers may find that cuddling gets awkward and difficult as they grow up. However, the experts advise finding a new and more appropriate way to connect to older kids. One mother said in Your Teen Magazine that she still makes it a point to "intercept" her teenagers and give them a long hug before they head to the door to join their friends. Another mother shared that she still checks on her teenage kids before bedtime for a short chat and a quick hug or a kiss on the forehead.