I totally have that post Easter Holiday hangover over here. We had such a fun day filled with finding Easter Baskets, three egg hunts, brunch and family dinner. It was a packed and exhausting day, but my heart was so full. There’s something about Easter that is so refreshing. The idea of renewal, a fresh start and hope just gives me so much strength and courage to continue moving forward, despite any negativity and set backs I have encountered.
Like any holiday, I start thinking about family traditions and how they get passed on from generations. Or even hearing of old traditions that are no longer around because it wasn’t liked, or it was time to try something new.
Regardless, I started thinking about family traditions and how, as a society, traditions have changed. I was perusing the traditions topic on Pinterest and came across some articles on things parents use to do. It was fascinating to see of the evolution, but also thinking “why did we stop doing that?”
So today I thought it would be fun to take a look at these old-time traditions and explore them. Looking at why we should still be doing these things, even today.
6 Things We Should Start Doing As Parents
Pay Attention to your spouse more. Parents use to spend more time talking to each other. Households weren’t centered around their child. Now this is something I am seriously working on. Once J and I start to have a conversation one of the girls pipes up and needs everything, has 10 stories, etc…Instead we are working on them waiting until Mom and Dad are finished before they can say something.
Teach children responsibilities. Another one we have really been pushing, especially since they are growing up. They’re at the age where they can pick up their toys after playing, get their own snack out of the pantry or pick out their clothes in the morning. You could start a little chore chart and work towards something at the end of each week.
Teach Kids Manners. Not that people aren’t doing this today, I mean our kids say please and thank you before we get anything for them. But, you wouldn’t believe the amount of kids I’ve never heard use these words. They simple, polite and leave a good impression on people.
Playing outside. Studies have shown that kids are spending less and less time outside. They’re inside with their video games, iPads and TVs instead of adventuring outside for creative play. Now, this doesn’t mean they have to be outside all day, but getting out and moving for a few hours is a good place to start.
Family Dinners. I talk about this one A LOT. I just think this is so important for parents and their kids to stay connected. Even if you had to pick up drive-thru and need to eat fast, sit down together. If you need some topics to discuss check out this post.
Let your kids fail. This is a hard one. Sure we don’t want to see our kids struggle and fail. But it teaches them important lessons, and helps build their confidence. Plus, you aren’t always going to be around to help them or do things for them, let them learn now how to come back from failure and disappointment.
As parents we want our kids to be happy. We want them to be confident and not afraid to try something new. I’m learning it’s ok to step back, let them fail or push them to try something without you standing there. Teaching our kids to fly on their own starts early.
I am certainly not perfect. Nor do I follow these ALL the time. But, I am making more of an effort to foster independence and confidence in my kids every single day.
Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you have a great Monday!
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I'd love to hear your thoughts