Life can be very full, especially when you have to deal with work, commuting back home via carpools, schedules, house chores, and so many more. Yet, as busy as our lives can be, there are small moments that quietly bring us closer to our loved ones. These little traditions, which we often dismiss as part of life, are often the glue that binds families together.
Why Routines Matter
Sitting down with your family to eat dinner is one way to keep the family connected. While filling everyone’s bellies might seem like the main reason, but it goes beyond that. One of the oldest forms of socializing is shared meals, and when this is repeated as a routine, it creates a sense of belonging. Other routines like telling your kids a bedtime story or tucking them in tells them they are loved. No matter how small it might seem, family routines help keep the family connected.
Small Traditions, Big Impact
Here are a few family traditions that work even when you have a very tight schedule and busy day:
- Sunday supper together: The meal you prepare is not the main deal. The point of this tradition is to gather everyone and get them talking.
- Bedtime check-in: Choose one night every week to just slow down and talk. You all can reflect on the week ahead or just listen to your child’s story.
- Friday candle lighting (or moment of pause): Use the end of the week to reset, regroup, and be present with your family.
- The “yes jar” or happiness jar: Write out little things you’re grateful for or ideas you want to do as a family. Then pull one randomly and make it happen.
Connecting Family and Faith
For faith-based families, simple rituals can help strengthen spirituality without it feeling heavy. For instance, you can light candles together using Oneg’s menorah. Doing this can create a profound moment and connection. When families pause for these small acts, it’s a way of recognizing each other, so do something that connects your family and your faith.
Tips for When You’re Swamped
Keep the tradition short and simple. Don’t always wait until you have enough time. A five-minute family time a week is better than a 30-minute shared time that will never come. Choose one consistent moment each week. If everyone knows Friday movie night is on, you’ll stick with it.
Always aim to involve everyone. Let kids or other family members pick the meal, story, or candle. When they feel they own the tradition, they’ll keep doing it. Don’t feel bad if you miss a week. Instead, go at it next week.
Endnote
Life can be pretty hectic, and things won’t just slow down because we wish for it. Instead, we must make a conscious effort to create time for our families. By sparing a few minutes each day or every week, we can create lasting memories. Choose a tradition and stick with it. Over time, you’ll discover the bonds of your family getting stronger as everyone feels they truly belong.
