For more help with Key #4, Sharing Time Together…
When you ask adults about positive experiences from their childhood, it is no surprise that many of their answers involve favorite family traditions. One of my fond memories growing up (which will surely date me) is Sunday night dinners, the only night we were allowed to watch TV while eating. That was the night that we would all gather to enjoy “The Ed Sullivan Show,” which held in rapt attention our family audience of disparate ages and interests. What do you remember from your childhood that puts a smile on your face? If you are someone who has little or no memory of shared family time, the information about this key will be an important way to create healthier relationships.
Given that family dinners are becoming less frequent these days in our more rapidly paced lives, it is crucial that families find other rituals and routines to spend positive time together. Think about your favorite holiday and you’ll probably uncover a treasured family tradition from your past. If you need help inventing new traditions that will reflect the unique cultural and ethnic roots of your current family, check out The Book of New Family Traditions by Meg Cox or The Joy of Family Traditions by Jennifer Trainer Thompson. These books cover ideas all the way from traditional holidays to rites of passage, with stories and suggestions from real families and other parents who have found positive ways to share time together.
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