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Tradition!
Monday, November 23, 2009 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
Traditions (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tradition).
I love them.
I didn't grow up in a family that was rooted in tradition. I don't have many stories that begin "When I was a kid, we always..."
It's one of those things that I always said, "when I'm a parent..." And so, here I am.
Thanksgiving is this week. I can't wait. As for the traditions I'll enjoy on this day, it will include all the traditional fall festive fare (including the infamous Grandma Gifford's pumpkin pie), a viewing of the Macy's Day Parade, as well as an early morning stroll with the family in a local metro park.
After Thanksgiving, the traditions really start rolling in my house... there is the venturing out to get a live tree the day after Thanksgiving (and the decorating, of course!), the annual holiday tree lighting in our small town, there's Friday night (grown-up) holiday movie night (complete with popcorn and cocoa), cookie baking, and the list goes on.
All this makes me wonder if and how traditions are an important part of the healthy growth and development of children?
The study of child development says a lot about the importance of routines. I would classify traditions in the same way. Children need predictability...things they can count on...things they are a part of...yes, all of those = routine and also = traditions.
What traditions will you be introducing to your child this holiday season?
What will be the importance of these traditions in your child's growth and development?
