An area that my parents excelled at during my childhood was weekly rituals. Those bits and pieces of our weekly schedules that happened every week, no matter what–whether it was certain meals, activities, or even lack of plans/free time.
In elementary school, I always loved getting out of school on Fridays because I knew it was Pizza Night (well, breadstick night for my picky self) at our house. And, my sister and I would get to play uninterrupted for a couple of hours after dinner whilst our parents chatted over wine. There would be jazz music playing, the smell of pizza dough rising in the bread machine when I got home, the house would be tidy and ready for us to enjoy the weekend.
Twenty years later, I still remember the anticipation of cozy Friday nights so vividly. I realized once my oldest was walking and talking that I also wanted to create moments and memories for my kids like that. I want them to have that feeling of home to carry with them for life, like I do.
What Are Ideas for Family Rituals?
Other things my family did or that my family does now include:
- Weekly hikes; my dad used to drag us out of bed on Saturday mornings to walk at a local spot. We moaned and groaned at the time, but I do love and find peace in nature now so–thanks, Dad! My dad also took my oldest on weekly nature outings last fall, and I’m keen to set up something like that again. I love that my kids have close relationships with their grandparents. It’s such a gift to watch them grow.
- Sunday morning breakfast/brunch; my mom always made pancakes or waffles and bacon on Sunday mornings. Eric and I do a nice Sunday brunch every week now, always with eggs, bacon, fruit and a freshly baked gluten-free treat! Our kids love this.
- Phone or video calls with extended family; my in-laws video call the kids once a week to read aloud to them, because they live far away.
- Errands time; sounds odd but I love going out on Saturday morning with everyone to grab groceries, maybe some essentials from Target, pick up or drop off library books, etc. I like to include the kids in the work of the household this way.
- Sunday meeting; this doesn’t include the kids at the moment but it will in the future. Eric and I do a quick rundown of the week together and sort out any logistics on Sunday nights.
Really, family rituals could be anything from Taco Tuesdays to a weekly volunteering commitment, a special read aloud or trip to a museum/gallery/market. The key is to commit to making it happen every week (unless of course you’re sick or there’s an emergency).
Why Are They Important?
As a child, these family rituals were important to me because they gave me certainty of things that would happen when there’s so much uncertainty in a child’s world. I was always the more anxious, sensitive type. Anything from big school events/concerts to bullying, holidays, new friends etc. drained me. Knowing that I’d have that relaxed family time and a meal I loved every week was so good for my mental health!
As a parent, not only do I love the thought of providing that for my kids, I also look forward to these definite weekly happenings. They’re like mile markers that assure me that time is passing, like the seasons changing. They eliminate some decision-making (I don’t have to spend energy deciding what’s for lunch on Sunday, for example). And they allow me to slow down and be mindful in those moments because I’m not making decisions and I’m assured that life is progressing as it should.
What are some of your weekly rituals?
xx Claire
