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Family Rituals and Traditions
Now More Important Than Ever
By Janet Dengel
Tradition can supply many answers to that famous question, "Why?" It also can help a child learn to cope with disappointment and loss. Even when close relatives die, your preschooler can still feel connected to them in a special way when the family uses Aunt Emma's embroidered tablecloth or tells Grandpa's favorite joke at a family gathering.
Rituals can reduce a preschooler's feeling of vulnerability and give a sense of control over his world. On his or her birthday, your child will feel like king or queen of the day. Holiday rituals provide a special magic as preschoolers instill "fear" in adults on Halloween by wearing scary costumes or are allowed to fool their parents on April Fool's Day. Even the youngest child will always remember being the one to place the star atop the Christmas tree or to light the candles on the Hanukkah menorah. These symbols of happiness in the home remain in a child's mind forever and can help when facing difficult times.