Families For Life | Make time for family with weekly family rituals
Rituals are small, intentional actions that help you cherish and strengthen bonds with the people you love. When done with your family, they create a special thread that tethers everyone together. The best part? Rituals are simple. All you need is understanding, connection, and commitment—no grandeur required!
Why Rituals Matter
Shared routines create a sense of safety and belonging. They’re especially helpful during unfamiliar or stressful situations. For instance, if your child has trouble sleeping while on holiday, a familiar bedtime ritual—like singing a lullaby—can help them feel calm and secure.
When everyone makes time for family rituals, like weekend breakfasts together, it signals that family time is a priority. These rituals don’t just build connection, they become meaningful memories that are deeply personal and special to your family.
Getting Started
Some rituals are passed down through generations, while others are created along the way. The easiest way to begin is to think about how you can weave small rituals into your daily routine, like trying a secret handshake when saying goodbye at school.
You could also switch it up a little with each child depending on their preferences—sing a lullaby for one, and read a bedtime story for another. What matters most is consistency and thoughtfulness.
Ideas to Spark Your Own Family Rituals
Goodbye messages
Goodbyes can be tough, but a familiar little phrase can help to soften the moment. Try one of these:
“Love you more than yesterday!”
“I’ll miss you every second until I see you.”
“Go be awesome!”
Weekend breakfast
Pick one day during the weekend to have breakfast as a family—either at home or at your favourite eatery. It’s a great way to reconnect after a busy week and start a new tradition.
Themed movie nights
Movie nights are a classic, but you can level up the fun by adding a theme. Dress up as characters, prepare themed snacks, or decorate the room to match the movie setting.
Evening games
Playing games together—whether it’s board games, card games or even charades—can bring out laughter, competition, and togetherness. It’s a lighthearted way to spend quality time and unwind as a family.
Nature time
Make it a ritual to step outdoors together. Take in the fresh air and relish the sun on your skin and wind in your hair. Go on nature walks, plan picnics, or cycle as a family. Try doing this at least once a week!
The beautiful thing about rituals is their staying power. Years from now, when your children look back on their childhood, it’s these seemingly small moments that they’ll remember most. And the best of all? You’ll still be doing them together.
Resources:
https://familiesforlife.sg/pages/FFLPArticle/Young-Children-Family-Rituals