Parent Project

Families Making Changes

ProblemIn today’s society,

changing social and economic patterns limits family’s ability to promote family togetherness.

PurposeTo prepare families to

consciously develop family rituals/traditions that can be

transmitted to future generations.

ObjectivesGive families the tools to:

• Define family rituals

• Describe the benefits of family rituals

• Describe the three (3) types of family rituals

• Create a family tradition

Dr. Barbara H. FieseResearch

discovered that rituals make people feel happier,better loved andstrongly a part of

families.

suggested that families that carry out regular patterned interactions that fluctuate over time, produce well-adjusted

children with greater self-

esteem and confidence to go out into the world.

Penny Game Ice Breaker

Work together in a group and describe a penny

Such as Who is on the penny?Is it his head or his head and shoulders?

Examine Penny

What things did you have right or wrong? What are some other things that you see or use all of

the time, but don’t notice the details of? If you saw your rules, creed or ritual all of the time,

would you know them?

Share POSITIVE childhood experiences

Did you classify these experiences as rituals or traditions?

Define family rituals

Family RitualsBehaviors or activities involving most orall members of the family

occur occasionally, have a symbolic meaning for family members and are valued by the participants so that they would like the activity to be carried on in the future.

Benefits of Family Traditions

A Way to Enact ValuesConnectionIdentityPredictability

A Way to Enact Values Allow families to demonstrate

what they believe and hold dear.

Provide families with an opportunity to make their values concrete to express them regularly with one another.

Connection

Provide a planned content and time to connect

emotionally and physically with other members of the family, sharing time, caring and conversation.

Identity• A sense of

– who belongs to the family, – what is special about the family and – where one belongs in the family.

• Allow families to form a unique family identity – that helps them to feel they belong in a special

way.

PredictabilityFamilies need; especially children A sense of regularity and order

– Bedtime rituals or time to talk with a spouse each day become

meaningful events to look forward to..

Types of Family Rituals

• Family Celebrations

• Family Routines

• Family Traditions

Family Celebrations Rituals in which the family observes holidays or occasions

are widely practiced and observed broadly by the cultural groups and

are special in the family. They provide an opportunity for larger group identification.

Family Celebrations New Years Fourth of July Thanksgiving Religions holiday (i.e.

Christmas, Easter and the Passover Seder)

Funerals Weddings Baptisms Bar mitzvahs

Family Routines Rituals which are most frequently enacted but least

consciously planned by the participants. They organize everyday life and define family roles and responsibility .

Family RoutinesBedtime routines for childrenCustomary treatment of mutual requestDiscipline of childrenEveryday greetings and goodbyesLeisure activitiesRegular meals

Family Traditions Activities which are less culture-specific,

moderately organized and more unique to each family.

Gives the family the responsibility of determining how they will celebrate.

Family Traditions• Activities with kin• Anniversary• Birthday customs• Parties with special food and music• Participation in community events• Summer vacations• Visits to and from extended family members

Creating Family Rituals

Video Clip

Create a Family TraditionReminder – It’s not about winning an award on having the most

Too many traditions dilute the importance and jeopardize true meaning and value.

1. Think of spiritual-based traditions Praying for meals Family Bible study

2. Think of meaningful routines/rituals that currently exist Favorite holidays It’s okay to have silly traditions (i.e., Backwards Day)

3. Think of other families traditions that you have admired Feel free to borrow and edit them

Debrief

What did you learn about your family rituals and traditions?

Do you have any current family routines that you will implement into family rituals and traditions?

What goals would you like to set for building your family tradition?