New Year - New Rituals

09/01/11 16:38
As we move into this new year, is there any better time to assess the way we’re moving through our days and “doing marriage and family?” That’s right, it is possible to step back and evaluate whether the routines we’re accustomed to are serving the needs of our relationships or eating away at them. Here’s an obvious truth that escapes many of us - we don’t have to keep doing life the way we have up to this point...we can make some changes. Those changes will hopefully be for the better and will nurture our marriages, our children and our own lives. So, what would that look like? Here are some questions to consider in making that assessment:

  • Are we satisfied with our morning routine? How can we make it less stressful for all of us?
  • How can we make mealtimes more enjoyable and build more family togetherness?
  • What do we want our weekends to be like? Are we giving sufficient time to building faith values into our children and even our own lives?
  • Are the toys and electronics controlled by us or controlling us? Can we establish some guidelines to keep them in their proper place?

Well, you get the idea. So, take some time soon to have a conversation with your spouse about these and other similar issues. Try out some new rituals and break them out to your children. Of course, you’ll encounter some resistance at first, but in time everyone will probably see the value in the changes. Find the rhythm that works for your family!

Selah,
Tim Heck, PhD