This month starts the beginning of the new year. What better way to start the new year off than by adding in some family traditions? Family traditions can be a simple yet engaging way to unite your family, create incredible memories, and add fun and excitement to your everyday life. Below are 15 new traditions to start as a family this year. Whether you want to begin slow with one or jump in with four or five, there is at least one thing on this list that everyone in your family will love!
15 New Traditions to Start as a Family
Are you ready to start your new tradition as a family? One of the best ways to begin is simply to ask yourself what you and your family enjoy doing together. Do you love to watch movies? Play games? Take walks? Traditions do not have to be expensive or too time-consuming. Start by adding one thing in once a month and then gradually work your way up to once a week (if that’s what you want to do!) Here are 15 fun and engaging traditions to choose from!
Family Movie Night
The classic family movie night is a go-to tradition that families love. Make this tradition your own by adding in your favorite dinner (like pizza or tacos.)
You can rotate the choices each week by allowing one child to pick the movie and then taking turns choosing from their favorite genres!
Game Night
Game nights are very engaging! This can be a tradition that you do once a week or once a month. Take turns playing your favorite games or try a new one once a month.
Weekly or Daily Walks
Does your family love to go for walks? Try adding in daily or weekly walks as a family. These can fit into anyone’s schedule. Nature walks are especially fun with small (and big!) children.
Family One-on-One Meetings
A one-on-one family meeting can be a great way to check in with your children, especially if your family is large. Choose either one day a month to have each child come to you and talk about anything new that is going on in their life. This can be a good way to touch base with each kid, spend one-on-one time, or simply just reconnect and fill their emotional bucket.
Family meetings can be as little or as much as you want. They are adjustable too. You can do them all in one day or do one kid a day.
Daughter or Son/Parent Dates
Like family meetings, but more fun for the kids. Daughter or son and parent dates can be a fun way for kids to get that special on one time with parents when life may just be getting a little too busy.
Serve Families in Need in Your Community
Finding a community service project together can be a good learning experience for children. It introduces them to the world around them and allows them to learn how to be grateful and helpful.
Serving local families in need can be done as much or as little as you can do it. Start by asking your local churches or community centers if there is a need that you can meet. Get your children involved.
Read Books Together
Reading books to a child can be quick but is a great bonding experience. Start while they are young by reading a book before bed every night. As your child grows and learns to read on their own you can begin reading the same chapter books at the same time individually and then having a “book club” meeting about it at the end of the month.
Do a Sport or Activity Together
Is there a sport that your child loves or is dying to try? Why not do it together? Sign up for a 5K and train together or learn how to play a sport like basketball or soccer. Getting active together is both fun and encourages good health practices.
Cook a Special Breakfast Every Saturday Morning
Saturday mornings can be slow going. Take advantage of the no-rush morning by cooking a special breakfast every Saturday. It can be the same family’s favorite breakfast or you can experiment by trying new recipes.
Have Dinner Together at the Same Time Every Night
Dinner together seems to be something that gets tossed aside the busier we get. Make it a point to have dinner together at the same time every night. Making dinner together a priority encourages family time, engagement, and closeness.
Host Monthly Family Debates
Do your kids love to debate? Why not host monthly family debates? You can get as fancy as you want. Pick a topic and have each family member choose a side. This tradition encourages children to learn how to stick up for their own beliefs while also learning the correct and most appropriate ways to actually debate someone. (spoiler alert: it’s not screaming and crying because someone disagrees with you.)
Have a Craft Day
Craft days are so much fun! If your child loves to get creative, have a day each week or month where you just spend the day creating something fun. It can be open-ended or you can make a specific craft that you find as a family.
Learn How to Bake Something New Every Month
On the flip side, if your kids love to be in the kitchen, get them involved in baking. These are skills they will need as they grow older anywhere. Pick a new recipe once a month and spend a day learning how to make it. Then add it to your family recipe book!
Take a Family Vacation
This family vacation doesn’t have to be huge and pricey. It could be something simple like a weekend away at a favorite lake. Whatever the family vacation is, it can be fun just to get away with your kids no matter their age.
Go to the Park or Library Once a Week
These two places are free and young kids love them! Make it a priority to go to one of these places or both once a week. It can be a fun way for your kids to meet new people, get active, or learn something new. Take it one step further and take a picnic to the park!