Healthy Rituals
He jumps in the truck like he does everyday.
Looking for a weakness in my armor.
Keeping a straight face I'm staying strong.
Not giving anything away.
My son keeps the small talk short and is getting ready to ask the real question.
Here it comes.
“DAD
“Yes Josiah”
Did you get me a snack laky?
Snaky laky just means a snack.
Before I can answer he starts looking and searching the vehicle, knowing the answer before I've even uttered a word.
See it's a ritual we developed as fathers and son since Josiah was 6.
A simple gift, not expensive but extremely important.
To others, it could be a simple bag of chips or candy.
For my son, it's a memory of joy, fun & the thrill of discovery**.**
Quote:
“There is a comfort in rituals, and rituals provide a framework for stability when you are trying to find answers.” — Deborah Norville
Ritual building will establish 3 things:
1. Connection
A simple snack may not seem like a big deal.
However, to my son, it's huge.
No matter how his day went, one thing is certain, he finds joy in spending this moment with me and enjoys a snack in the process.
Connection is built with the many different experiences we have with our children. This memory is only the start of some of our fondest.
The snack that grew our relationship.
2. Responsibility
There is honest pressure to have a daily snack for my son.
Sometimes I forget which often leads us to have a real conversation of why there isn’t a snack on that particular day.
Responsibility and real conversations are part of the process. This teaches us both that we won't be perfect in everything and responsible enough to talk about it.
It also helps him to see that he can trust me with the uncomfortable stuff as well as his mistakes.
3. Healthy Memories
The power of healthy memories with your parents is something your children will never forget.
While those moments are life-changing for them, it may have taken just a few moments of your day - all to remind them how special they are to you.
Let’s continue to use our time to build as many healthy, fun, and amazing moments with our kids.
All of our time is limited. How we spend it with our children is really important.
Will those moments be negative? Or, will they be positive? Will they be trauma-filled? Or, will they be fulfilling moments they can take with them forever and pass on to their grandkids?
Give the gift of rituals and healthy routines. Make memories that live forever.