Having a special understanding of family identity is central to building a foundation of love and support for your family members. For your children, creating a special identity within your family will give them the strength and support they will need to help them confront all of life’s challenges.
You can craft a family identity in all sorts of ways, but don’t expect it to happen overnight. These things take time, but little increments like an inside joke or a family tradition can make a huge difference. Read on to learn more about how to craft a family identity.
Have meals together
Remember the old saying “meal time is family time?” Families that eat meals together can use that time to get closer, either through talking about each other’s days, offering advice or practicing the fine art of conversation. Eating together has also been associated with better health and the ability to make better food choices later in life.
Have a bedtime routine
As your kids power down and get ready for bed, this is a good time to transition from the active day time to the restful night time, while also going through family rituals. For example, you can take the half-hour before bed to read stories, have some warm milk, or talk about each other’s days and get ready for bed. This is also a good transition for the little ones who may have extra energy!
Take a trip together
How many funny stories do you have from the family camping trip every summer? Traveling together is great for creating lasting memories and inside jokes that your children will carry with them for decades. Traveling is also a great way to learn problem-solving skills and experience the world outside of one’s comfort zone, which are values that will serve your children well later in life.
Take advantage of the holidays
The holiday season is also a great time to build lasting memories. You can create a few traditions that you partake in every year, such as hanging the Christmas lights or sharing a special meal. And of course, don’t forget the mandatory holiday photograph, where everyone is wearing ugly sweaters!
These are just a few of the ways that you can build an identity for your family. There are plenty of other ways to foster closeness and support. Got any other ideas? Share them with us in the comments below!
