Architecture and family may seem like two completely separate subjects, but they share basic principles.
How important is a solid foundation? Just as architects pay special attention to creating strong foundations for building strong structures, we must create strong families as the cornerstones of society.
Celebrating family birthdays is one method to make a family stronger. Although each person’s birthday is a meaningful occasion in and of itself, sharing a birthday together can strengthen the bonds between family members. On this day, everyone gets together to rejoice and express their gratitude and affection for one another.
Birthdays in the family aren’t just celebrated on parents’ wedding anniversaries. Whether you are a single parent or have a non-traditional family structure, you can celebrate your family’s birthday. It’s all about creating a meaningful and special day for your family.
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Here are some ideas of how to celebrate family birthdays:
Plan a family outing: Take the day off and plan a family outing to a place that everyone enjoys. It could be a museum, a park, a restaurant, or even a movie theater. Spending quality time together outside of the home can strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories.
Cook a special meal: Food is a great way to bring people together. Cook a special meal together as a family or surprise the birthday person with their favorite dish. Make it an event by setting the table with special decorations or having a themed dinner.
Create a family tradition: Create a tradition that everyone can look forward to each year. It could be as simple as a family game night or a special activity that everyone enjoys doing together.
Write letters to each other: Take some time to write heartfelt letters to each other expressing your love and appreciation. This is a great way to show your family members how much you care about them and strengthen your bond.
Make a family time capsule: Create a time capsule that includes special mementos, letters, and photos. Decide on a date in the future when you will all gather together to open the time capsule and reflect on the memories.
Celebrating family birthdays is not just about the day itself. It’s about creating a strong foundation for your family that will carry over into every aspect of your lives. By taking the time to celebrate each other, you are investing in your family’s happiness and well-being.
So, the next time a family birthday rolls around, take the opportunity to make it a special and memorable day for everyone.
Pick a specific date and stick to it
As parents, we want what’s best for our children. We want them to grow up healthy and happy. One way to help them achieve this is by providing them with routine, predictability, and consistency in their lives. This is specifically true when it comes to celebrating family birthdays.
Kids thrive on routine and predictability. They feel safe and secure when they know what to expect.
By establishing a family birthday tradition, you can provide this for your children. It could be as simple as choosing a date on which you celebrate each year, whether it’s the day you and your spouse met, your wedding anniversary, or the day you decided to grow your family in number.
Having an annual family birthday celebration creates a sense of anticipation and excitement for kids. They will look forward to this day and remember it just like they remember their own birthdays. It’s a chance for the family to come together and create lasting memories.
In addition to providing routine and predictability, celebrating family birthdays also promotes consistency in your family’s values and traditions. By making it a yearly event, you are showing your children the importance of family and creating a sense of belonging.
They will feel connected to their family history and heritage, and this will help them develop a strong sense of identity.
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Explain to children why dates are important
Choosing a date to celebrate your family’s birthday tradition is important, but it’s equally important to explain to your kids why the date is special. This provides context and meaning to their lives, and helps them understand the significance of the tradition.
For example, if you choose your wedding anniversary as the family birthday, explain to your kids why that date is important. Share with them the story of how you met, fell in love, and decided to commit your lives to each other. Tell them how your wedding day was one of the happiest days of your life, and how it marked the beginning of your family.
Similarly, if you choose the date on which you decided to grow your family, explain to your kids why that date is special. Share with them the excitement you felt when you decided to have a baby, and how that decision changed your lives forever. Tell them how you eagerly awaited the arrival of each child, and how they brought joy and love into your lives.
By sharing these stories with your kids, you are providing them with additional foundation material to their lives. You are helping them understand where they come from, and how much they are loved and valued. This knowledge will help them feel connected to their family history and heritage, and will give them a strong sense of identity.
So, the next time you celebrate your family birthday, take the time to explain to your kids why the date is special. Share with them the stories of your love, commitment, and joy. They will treasure these stories for years to come, and they will understand just how much they are loved.
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