Science of Parenting: Families need traditions

Carrying out family traditions takes effort, but these rituals make families stronger. Human sciences specialists offer tips for creating family memories during the holidays and throughout the year in the Science of Parenting blog from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

?Holidays are good times for families to celebrate annual rituals, like serving special foods, telling favorite stories and putting cherished decorations on display. Creating holiday memories strengthens family ties,? said Janet Smith, a human sciences specialist in family life.

?What?s important is finding time for your family to just spend time together. Parents can consciously create family customs throughout the year,? Smith said.

?Don?t just wait for the holidays. Small, everyday customs like a weekly family meal, uniquely celebrated birthdays or life cycle celebrations like weddings or graduations are great places to start,? said Lori Hayungs, also a human sciences specialist in family life.

?There are not right or wrong traditions. Families use their own values, religion, history and culture to create traditions that are meaningful to them,? Hayungs said.

Learn more from tips on the blog throughout the month and in a four-minute podcast. Through the Science of Parenting, www.scienceofparenting.org, ISU Extension and Outreach specialists share and discuss research-based information and resources to help parents rear their children. Parents can join in the conversation and share thoughts and experiences, as well as how they handle parenting responsibilities.