Just Breathe and Give Thanks!
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Halloween 2010 has come and gone, and so the holiday whirlwind has begun. This month's parenting tip will be short, sweet and simple, and hopefully add some sanity and gratitude to the season.
Rituals and traditions are wonderful ways to bring your family together and give everyone an opportunity to be calm. They don't have to take long and they don't have to cost even one little penny. In my family when I was growing up, and then again when my step son and three-year-old grandson came to live with us, one such ritual took place at the dinner table every night. We would have a "silent grace"; just a few moments of deep breathing and quiet, so that we could each reflect on whatever was important to us. At first, it took some practice for the four kids to be still and control our giggles, but once we got used to it, we all looked forward to the shared moments of peace. After that, we would go around and each share the highlight of our day, or something that we were grateful for. I have very fond memories of this time every night. When it was my turn to share, the other five persons at our dinner table gave me their undivided attention. When others shared, I got to listen to them and hear of something that was going on in their lives. It gave me a sense of security, serenity and contentment and it made me feel close to my siblings and parents.
This is something that anyone can participate in. Younger, pre-verbal children can just take it in, and children who can talk really enjoy it. When my grandson was living with us, he used to get to decide what order we would go in every night. Start tonight and give your family a gift that will help presence (and I don't mean presents!) what is most important during the holidays and everyday!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Contact Patty Dow, MA, Life Coach/Parent Educator with your parenting questions and concerns:
973-652-1403
Rituals and traditions are wonderful ways to bring your family together and give everyone an opportunity to be calm. They don't have to take long and they don't have to cost even one little penny. In my family when I was growing up, and then again when my step son and three-year-old grandson came to live with us, one such ritual took place at the dinner table every night. We would have a "silent grace"; just a few moments of deep breathing and quiet, so that we could each reflect on whatever was important to us. At first, it took some practice for the four kids to be still and control our giggles, but once we got used to it, we all looked forward to the shared moments of peace. After that, we would go around and each share the highlight of our day, or something that we were grateful for. I have very fond memories of this time every night. When it was my turn to share, the other five persons at our dinner table gave me their undivided attention. When others shared, I got to listen to them and hear of something that was going on in their lives. It gave me a sense of security, serenity and contentment and it made me feel close to my siblings and parents.
This is something that anyone can participate in. Younger, pre-verbal children can just take it in, and children who can talk really enjoy it. When my grandson was living with us, he used to get to decide what order we would go in every night. Start tonight and give your family a gift that will help presence (and I don't mean presents!) what is most important during the holidays and everyday!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Contact Patty Dow, MA, Life Coach/Parent Educator with your parenting questions and concerns:
973-652-1403
