2. Problem
In today’s society,
changing social and economic
patterns limits family’s ability to
promote family togetherness.
3. Purpose
To prepare families to
consciously develop family
rituals/traditions that can be
transmitted to future
generations.
4. Objectives
Give families the tools to:
• Define family rituals
• Describe the benefits of family rituals
• Describe the three (3) types of family rituals
• Create a family tradition
5. Dr. Barbara H. Fiese
Research
suggested that families that carry
discovered that out regular patterned interactions
that fluctuate over time,
rituals make people produce well-adjusted
feel happier, children
better loved and with greater self-
esteem and
strongly a part of confidence to go
families. out into the world.
6. Penny Game
Ice Breaker
Work together in a group and describe a
penny
Such as
Who is on the penny?
Is it his head or his head and
shoulders?
7. Examine Penny
What things did you have right or
wrong?
What are some other things that you see or use all of
the time, but don’t notice the details of?
If you saw your rules, creed or ritual all of the time,
would you know them?
8. Share POSITIVE
childhood experiences
Did you classify these experiences as rituals or
traditions?
Define family rituals
9. Family Rituals
Behaviors or activities involving most or
all members of the family
occur occasionally,
have a symbolic meaning for family members and
are valued by the participants
so that they would like the activity to be carried on
in the future.
10. Benefits of
Family Traditions
A Way to Enact Values
Connection
Identity
Predictability
11. A Way to Enact Values
Allow families to demonstrate
what they believe and
hold dear.
Provide families with an opportunity
to make their values concrete
to express them regularly
with one another.
12. Connection
Provide a planned content and
time to connect
emotionally and
physically
with other members of the family,
sharing time,
caring and
conversation.
13. Identity
• A sense of
– who belongs to the family,
– what is special about the family and
– where one belongs in the family.
• Allow families to form a unique family identity
– that helps them to feel they belong in a special
way.
14. Predictability
Families need; especially children
A sense of regularity and order
– Bedtime rituals or time to talk with a spouse each
day become
meaningful events to
look forward to.
.
15. Types of Family Rituals
• Family Celebrations
• Family Routines
• Family Traditions
16. Family Celebrations
Rituals in which the family observes holidays or occasions
are widely practiced and observed broadly by the cultural
groups and
are special in the family.
They provide an opportunity for
larger group identification.
17. Family Celebrations
New Years
Fourth of July
Thanksgiving
Religions holiday (i.e.
Christmas, Easter and the
Passover Seder)
Funerals
Weddings
Baptisms
Bar mitzvahs
18. Family Routines
Rituals which are most frequently enacted but least
consciously planned by the participants.
They organize everyday life and define family
roles and responsibility .
19. Family Routines
Bedtime routines for children
Customary treatment of mutual request
Discipline of children
Everyday greetings and goodbyes
Leisure activities
Regular meals
20. Family Traditions
Activities which are less culture-specific,
moderately organized and
more unique to each family.
Gives the family the
responsibility of determining
how they will celebrate.
21. Family Traditions
• Activities with kin
• Anniversary
• Birthday customs
• Parties with special food and music
• Participation in community events
• Summer vacations
• Visits to and from extended family members
23. Create a Family Tradition
Reminder – It’s not about winning an award on having the most
Too many traditions dilute the importance and jeopardize true meaning and value.
1. Think of spiritual-based traditions
Praying for meals
Family Bible study
2. Think of meaningful routines/rituals that currently exist
Favorite holidays
It’s okay to have silly traditions (i.e., Backwards Day)
3. Think of other families traditions that you have admired
Feel free to borrow and edit them
24. Debrief
What did you learn about your family rituals and
traditions?
Do you have any current family routines that you will
implement into family rituals and traditions?
What goals would you like to set for building your family
tradition?