Roots & Routines

Traditions don’t always have to be these big elaborate events you start with your kids, sometimes they can be simple, little moments spent together as a family.

One of our favorite traditions that we have started as a family are library Saturdays. Once a month we will wake up on a Saturday, and walk to the library. Sometimes this involves stopping for breakfast on the way, other Saturday’s it’s simply just the act of going to the library. Our daughter gets to play with other kids in the children’s area and we always make time to buy a book from the used book area on the way out. Simple, but she absolutely loves it.

Below are some ideas of different traditions you could start with your family. Just little things you could add to your daily life, but are always seen as special to your little ones.

1. Saturday Morning Breakfast Party

Pick one breakfast a week to make a little special (pancakes, waffles, cinnamon rolls). Add something fun such as sprinkles, chocolate chips, or letting kids choose toppings.

Let your kids choose. Each week a child is in charge of choosing the special breakfast party meal.

2. Bedtime High and Low

Share the high (best part of the day) and low (hardest parts of the day) before bed.

This can help kids open up about their feelings while ending the day on a positive note.

3. Seasonal Bucket Lists

Grab a mason jar and some popsicle sticks. Let your kids pick a few realistic seasonal activities and write them down on the popsicle sticks. Let your child pick a stick from the jar and spend time doing that activity together as a family.

Example: Summer = beach day, blueberry picking, mini golf, or going for ice cream

Fall = apple picking, carving pumpkins, or a cozy movie night

4. Birthday Morning Surprise

This can be as simple as balloons around the house, a birthday crown, a special breakfast or letting them pick a special dinner.

In our house we let the birthday person pick his or her favorite dinner that we make and we cook that for the birthday dinner. It’s simple but it always makes everyone feel special.

5. Family Walks or Dance Parties

Start the tradition of going for a family walk after dinner each night or on weekend mornings.

In our house there is a little ice cream shop that is open during the summer in the center of town. Every other Sunday night during the summer we walk up to the center of town for an ice cream treat.

6. Friday Night Family Movie + Snack

Growing up my parents always did Friday family movie nights. They would get pizza for dinner and after dinner we would all curl up on the couch and watch a movie. Each Friday someone picked a movie and we all watched it as a family.

You could create special snack trays for your kiddos to enjoy while watching the movie. make them fun and try to link them to a theme in the movie.

Snack Ideas:

Finding Nemo Movie – serve goldfish crackers and gummy fish

Parent Trap – Oreos with peanut butter, or popsicles.

Final Thoughts

Traditions don’t need to be elaborate to be meaningful. Your kiddos don’t need big expensive plans they just want to spend time with YOU. Pick a few ideas and try them out with your family. Show your kids the magic of family traditions no matter how simple.

I would love to hear some of your favorite family traditions in the comments.