We have a few family traditions at my house. Some have spanned generations and others are more newly found. Either way, family traditions are a power tool that strengthen and nurture the first building block. If you aren't familiar with my building blocks system, no worries, you can learn more about them here.

 

You see, the first building block is all about family, roots, grounding, support, and survival. It connects us to our history, our past, and our ancestors. When we celebrate family traditions, we strengthen our connection with those who have gone before, as well as those to come. We strengthen our family bonds, pass on our family values, and give our kids a place of belonging.

 

Family traditions give us a place to grow our roots

Making ravioli at Easter is one of my favorite family traditions. This tradition has been handed down from generation to generation. My grandmother taught me. I have her mother's wooden board, her old cutting wheel, and her giant pot that's large enough to bathe a small child. (My grandmother was one of seven kids and part of an even larger extended family, so the "bathtub" pot was a must.)

 

I have been a part of generations, covered in flour, kneading, rolling, and cutting ravioli together, but even more importantly, creating memories, strengthening relationships, AND preparing an extra-special Easter meal for everyone.

 

Each year, we not only make ravioli for our own family, but we pack up our wooden boards, ravioli forms, and rolling pins to visit our extended family to make more for them. We are kind of like a traveling pasta factory!! It is a special time for visiting and catching up, and also for reflecting on the times when the older generation was still a part of this tradition with us.

 

In years past, we had the hands of four generations kneading, rolling, and cutting at once. This year, it was just two generations but equally as important and just as special.

 

 

Family traditions connect the generations

It's a time to reflect on the past, remember those who are gone, and to create our connection with those still to come. It provides answers for who we are and where we came from. It gives a sense of connection and belonging to something bigger, something a whole lot bigger than just me. Something I am happy to be a part of and happy to share with my kids.

 

Traditions don't have to be complicated or cost a lot of money. Why not incorporate a new kid-friendly, spring tradition this year? I have some ideas for you.

 

 

10 Springtime Family Tradition Ideas

1. Plant some flower or vegetable seeds together.
2. Plan a trip to Washington to see the cherry blossoms.
3. Make a family tree. Bring it out each spring to reflect on it and update it.
4. Go for a hike and celebrate Mother Nature.
5. "Plant" your intention for what you would like to grow or blossom within yourself this season- to be kinder, to do your best at school, to be more responsible about doing chores.
6. Cook a traditional food together that you don't normally make during the year.
7. Search online for cultural traditions from your country of origin and read about them.
8. Read a favorite book about spring.
9. Make a scrapbook of the past year.
10. Family Hop- make a plan to visit as many families and friends you can get to in one day.

 

Nurture and strengthen that first building block for your child with traditions. What kinds of traditions do you celebrate? Are they family traditions, cultural traditions, or will you start a new one this spring? Let me know all about them below.

~ Dawn