1-2-3 No Laughing

Creating Family Traditions

One simple and fun way to create a meaningful bond among family members that will last a lifetime is to create family traditions. Family traditions make happy, long-lasting memories, foster fun, silliness and being in the present moment. Family traditions can connect family generations and extended family, reinforce a cultural or religious identity, lift us up during hard times, anchor us during transition, give us something to look forward to and instill the uniqueness of your family culture into your kids. These traditions will likely be carried on into later generations.  

One tradition in our home created when my oldest son was a baby is called 1-2-3 no laughing. It was originally used to elicit those first irresistible smiles from my infant, but as he grew and other kids were born it evolved into a handy way to shift the energy when it got negative. When one of the kids is upset or in a rut, I challenge them to hold back their laughter by saying "1-2-3 no laughing" and dare them to keep from laughing while I make silly faces and gestures. Suffice it to say, they always succumb to the hilarity and poof  - mood lightened and energy raised. This has now become a go-to method when any of the kids are moping and also a fun thing the kids do to each other to transition from arguing.

A great way to create a family tradition if you are not sure how to get started is to take a naturally occurring negative experience and turn it into something fun. For instance, if the power goes out, have an indoor campout - make s'mores and tell scary stories by candlelight/flashlight. Then designate one night each year when you turn the power off and repeat the experience. Or next time you're stuck in traffic with the whole family in the car, instead of being irritated and bored, turn on music the kids like and challenge them to create a synchronized seated dance routine. Then every time you all get stuck in traffic you can re-create the plan. 

There are so many ideas, best tailored to the personalities and ages of the kids as well as the unique spirit of the family. Turning a seemingly negative situation into a positive is an easy shortcut to fun because everyone is on the verge of upset, just waiting for boredom or frustration to take over. All eyes are on the parents as to which way the energy will turn. When that expectation of negativity is met with the unexpected response of finding the lightness and fun in the situation, it allows everyone to laugh at themselves and let loose. It is also a great way to show your kids that in every experience, even ones that seem really frustrating, there's an opportunity to laugh, connect and not take life so seriously. 

Family traditions come in all shapes and sizes from going on that one same vacation every year to pizza and family game night on Sundays, to an instant dance party every time someone cries or breakfast for dinner on certain occasions. The unique personality of your family will inspire and also be solidified by whatever you create. Don't get bogged down trying too hard to bring values and meaning into the tradition...your unique family culture and values are embedded in all you do...they will come through. The trick is, it's all about being engaged in the present moment, lean into it and make it count!