Making Memories:
Kids Corner

Aired on Superstation WGN
Saturday, August 6 and November 26, 2005
Show 221

One of my favorite memories every year was spending a week during the summer at a cottage with the entire family. We'd go boating, fishing, hiking through the woods. And, as you can see, it's a family tradition that we've carried on with our kids and we look forward to it every year.

Traditions are family insurance, connecting us to what's happened and what still is to come in the future. Now, you may be thinking, "We don't have any family traditions." Well, believe it or not, you do. Everyone does. Just ask your kids. They'll probably name some that you can't think of. The consistency and predictability of traditions are really important to a child. They give children something to hang onto and something to carry on into their own families, whether it's planting flowers each spring or visiting grandparents. Doing the same things over and over promotes a sense of belonging and attachment.

Some traditions just happen, like a special hug or saying when it's bedtime. Others can be planned. The first day of school is a great time for tradition. Take pictures of your kids on that first day from preschool on. Keep those photos in an album. Your kids will love to see how they've grown.

Family dinner is another great time for traditions. Set aside one night every week for a special dinner, whether it's a picnic in the living room, candles at the table or dessert first. I have a friend who has a date night with her son every month. It's something she started with him when he was a toddler and they continue to do it to this day. He's 14 and he still looks forward to it. It's never too late or too early to start family traditions.