by Kathleen Spring

Created on: January 18, 2010   Last Updated: January 24, 2010

Whether you are a family, a couple or an individual, having family traditions are important to your health and provide a certain feeling of security. And, they can be great fun, too!

A person begins life with certain family traditions, like going to an amusement park every 4th of July. As they grow, they are given chances to add more family traditions.  Starting a new family tradition may sometimes be difficult, but the long-term benefits can be priceless.

In starting a new tradition, family members need to feel like they have input and a good reason to want to do it. It has been long recommended by professionals that the best way to help children become strong decision-making adults is for the parent to set an example by being a strong person making decisions and setting rules, but to give their children a voice within that framework. This process also works for starting a new family tradition.

A parent might feel it is important that the family start the tradition of eating supper together every night. They should prepare themselves by writing down some pros and cons about the idea. They can explain to their spouse and children why they feel strongly about it, as well as the benefits. Next discuss everyone's comments. Then, ask them to help set up a schedule to make it happen. The family can negotiate together which classes, sports or social activities can be dropped or times changed in order for them to be home at the same time for supper.

In the case of couples without children, there is usually one person who is in charge of making family decisions happen. If there is no leader, then a lot of time will be wasted, and it may never happen. Let us say that it is the wife. Maybe the new family tradition is buying a book for each other on their birthdays. She can take the idea, figure out the benefits, collect comments, and make it happen. Without allowing for input, the other person may feel like it is being forced upon them, and both parties will suffer.

Individuals within a family can create personal new traditions that will enrich the family. Perhaps the person likes crafts. They can decide to make a new crafty Christmas tree ornament each year to commemorate the family's events. Each year they might make one with a family picture on it, or commemorate the year they moved into a new home.

There can be positive long-term results obtained from new family traditions. It may take years to fully see the many good effects. The tradition might end up being carried forward into future generations. Do not wait to bring new traditions to your family that bring joy, hope, love and security.

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