Family Rituals

Dear Parents

Each and every day we see the effectiveness of routine and rituals unfolding in the daily schedule at school. Please take the time to read the article below and remind your children that everyone has an intrinsic need to be accepted, valued and loved.

Why family rituals really matter

by Maggie Dent ‘Positive Parenting’ from Parenting Ideas

Family rituals strengthen the sense of warm connectedness in families. This makes sense, given that the number one biological need for every human is the hunger to belong, and to be accepted, valued and loved.

The disruption of life in 2020 saw many families unable to go about their normal activities, and for many, family rituals reclaimed their valuable position. For some, it was simply going for walks together, riding bikes together, baking, or watching movies together complete with home-made popcorn.

So how can families create and maintain small rituals that make such a difference?

Turn routines into rituals

Bedtime routines that include such things as reading to your children, singing special bedtime songs or even just lying beside your child do far more than help them to fall asleep. When these routines are repeated, they create neural pathways which enhance loving connection. As a nanny to several precious little ones, I absolutely love being a part of their bedtime rituals.

Reign in the chaos

Family rituals bring a degree of predictability and certainty into our sometimes chaotic lives. They are important for teenagers as they provide a sense of control at a time of change and challenge. Families who are struggling with any uncertainty and stress should regularly connect with a much-loved board game or family movie and dive into it with enthusiasm. Leave work and worry behind and spend a couple of hours with those you love the most.

Create greeting rituals

Greeting and goodbye rituals within families are also important. How you welcome and reconnect to children after a day away shows them that you have missed them and still love them. With little ones, some parents leave a kiss on their child’s palm. For others there are special handshakes. I can still remember my dad saying goodbye to us with the oldie but goodie “See you later alligator!” To which we naturally replied, “in a while, crocodile!” This is a ritual that happens now with my grandchildren.

Never underestimate the importance of family rituals in your home.

Catholic Schools Week Celebrations

Thank you to Katie McMeniman for her organisation of the Catholic Schools Week 200 Years Celebrations. The students thoroughly enjoyed the activities to commerate this event. The dress up day was a roaring success and the effort by the students (parents) and staff was admirable.

Thanks to Pauline Gannon and the Mini Vinnies representatives for the games and also to Pauline for the photo competition. It was lovely to see the Year 6 students with the Kindergarten students on the photo timeline walk. (See photos in "This week in pictures".)

The popularity of "olden day" games was very pleasing to see.

Thanks to Bea Baker for the Donuts on Thursday, the students were very polite and thankful for the special treat.

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