Timber Monteith andKatelyn Regan

Celebrations!

Enduring Understandings› There is always something to celebrate.

› There is value in investing time and energy to plan and prepare celebrations.

› Though middle schoolers seem to be reluctant to share in family traditions, developmentally they benefit greatly from participating in celebrations.

Essential Questions› What are the things that you and your family

celebrate?› How do you celebrate?› How do celebrations become a shared family

experience for everyone?› What role does your middle schooler play in the

planning and preparation of your celebrations?

› Family routines and rituals were found to be related to parenting competence, child adjustment, and marital satisfaction

› Rituals foster a sense of belonging and promote feelings of group membership – in turn this builds a strong sense of identity

› Rituals and routines reduce stress› Stress in the family is often linked to a disruption of

family routines› Rituals foster mental health and well-being

Why Celebrate?

Journal of family psychology – A Review of 50 Years of Research on Naurtrally Occurring Family Routines and Rituals: Cause for Celebration?

What is a celebration?Definition:“A special enjoyable event that is organized with the purpose of promoting well-being.”

Key points to consider:It is important to celebrate yourself, your teen, and your family. Celebrations integrate mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, and

natural experiences. Celebrations occur daily, weekly, monthly, yearly…

› What is there to celebrate from the semester?

› How are you celebrating over the break?

› Why is celebrating important?

Self Celebrations “Self care is a way of living that incorporates

behaviors that help you to be refreshed, replenish your personal motivation, and grow as a person. It’s the equivalent of keeping your car filled with gas so that you are ready to ‘motor’ when you want to go somewhere.”- Counseling Center NC State University

20 things I love about me!

“If you can develop the habit of seeing yourself as capable of achieving success, you are more likely to build on that success the next time you face challenge. One powerful tool to increase this strength is keeping written records of your positive behaviors, inspired efforts, and successes along the way” – Dr. Annette Colby

Self Celebration› Why celebrate yourself?

– Builds commitment to your goals– Increases your positive motivation– Pumps up inner confidence and develops a

hopeful attitude– Reinforces your desired behaviors– Helps you stay positive– Helps you become more open to receiving

support www.selfgrowth.com

Self Celebrations› How do you celebrate yourself?

Connect mentally - A positive self statementConnect physically – Schedule a time at the

spaConnect emotionally – Buy yourself flowers /

give yourself a giftConnect spiritually – Express your creativityConnect naturally – Go for a walk

Take some time to share some ways that you celebrate yourself Mentally, Physically, Emotionally, Spiritually, and Naturally

Teen Celebrations › Why do you celebrate your teen?

– Teens are more motivated to tackle new tasks– Teens become more open to receiving support– Teens develop stronger identities– Helps teens to better adapt and manage times of change– Helps teens to manage stress

Adapted from outside sources

Teen Celebrations › How do you celebrate your teen?

Connect mentally – Leave your teen an encouraging noteConnect physically – Create a celebration space for

awards/acknowledgementsConnect emotionally – Dedicate a family dinner to your

teenConnect spiritually – Celebrate your teen’s birthdayConnect naturally – Give your teen a spot in your garden

to grow something of his/her choice

Take some time some ways that you celebrate yours teen Mentally, Physically, Emotionally, Spiritually, and Naturally

Family Celebrations› Why create family celebrations?

– Celebrations and traditions are related to parenting competence, child adjustment, and marital satisfaction

– Helps families manage times of change – Allows families to pass values and beliefs through

generations– Gives family members a sense of belonging– Provides family members a comfortable support during

crises and difficult times– Family traditions are directly related to psychological

health and well-being

Family Celebrations› How do you celebrate your family?

Connect mentally – Post an inspirational quote of the month on the refrigerator

Connect physically – Make up a family danceConnect emotionally – Have a family laugh

offConnect spiritually – Share highs and lows

of the day at the dinner tableConnect naturally – Hold a family picnic

outside where each family member brings his/her favorite dish

Take some time to share ways that you celebrate as a family Mentally, Physically, Emotionally, Spiritually, and Naturally

› What to celebrateChangeable Characteristics ex. “you worked so hard” or “you really took a risk!”

› What not to celebrateUnchangeable characteristics ex. “you are so

smart” or “you are so beautiful”

Intentional celebrations

Positive Psychology: Active Constructive Responses to Victories

Tips for Planning › Think simple – simple and easy traditions like eating together at least

once every week or going out as a family are just as important as the big occasions.

› Set aside a time – each week, create a time where you and your kids can be together to play, accomplish a task, have family time to talk and check-in, and not to mention one-on-one time.

› Create your own special activity – on established holidays, birthdays, or celebrations.

› Include your children in the planning – make sure your kids are also involved. The more invested they are in creating a family tradition, the more meaningful it will be.

› Celebrate success – acknowledge achievements; go out to dinner or do something special to make someone feel proud, seen, heard, and wanted.

› Don’t stress if it doesn’t work out the way you planned› Be silly and have fun – don’t be afraid to be silly in front of your children

and with them. Enjoy the moments you share together. Play, laugh, learn, and be adventurous, together.

Onefamily.ie

Recomendations› Familyfun.about.com› Disneyfamily.com› The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman› Third Culture Kids by David Pollock and Ruth Van

Reken› Sark’s Journal and Play! Book by SARK› Journal to the Soul by Rose Offner

Works Cited› SelfGrowth.com The online Self Improvement

Encyclopedia › Mindbodysprit.glam.com › Onefamily.ie› Adareaday.blogspot.com› Ncsu.edu/counseling_center› Journal of Family Psychology – A Review of 50 Years

of Research on Naturally Occurring Family Routines and Rituals: Cause for Celebration?