In the past two decades, a great deal of research has been done
on early childhood development, and on what factors impact that development
positively or negatively. One of the things that helps to support a child’s
emotional and mental growth is tradition.
In an article written by psychologist and family counselor Dr.
Maria Hartwell-Walker entitled “Holiday Traditions,” she states that the mind innately
desires predictability and ritual even from an early age. In every culture, the passing of time,
changes in season, holy days, and rest days are observed, meaning that this
desire is a universal one. This establishes a connection to time and fosters a
sense of security and reliability.
“Kids intuitively understand all this
complicated stuff. Sometimes what they latch on to as recognition of the event
can be a little weird (like, “We have to have mixed nuts at Christmas!”) but
the impulse to mark the passing of time with some kind of gathering and
observance is a healthy one,” Hartwell-Walker writes. “Anything positive, done
regularly, puts something important in the child’s internal ‘security bank’;
emotional steadiness that can be drawn on in more difficult times.”
As parents, guardians, or
teachers, we can help our children to feel like part of a community and feel
more secure in their identities by passing down cultural and familial
traditions. Whether it’s decorating the tree together every year; watching the
same holiday movies; making homemade holiday decorations; or letting your child
help out with cooking Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Hanukah meals; come up with
traditions you will do year after year and watch your child grow and prosper in
an environment that makes them feel loved and secure.
Here are some Thanksgiving
craft Ideas to do with your kids!
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