Random Routines and/or Traditions

Random Routines and/or Traditions

I love the suggestions in the comments section of the Power-less blog. Be sure to read them. A college friend wrote that when her grandchildren were little and began sleeping over, they established a bedtime routine. Grampa would get the Cat-in-the-Hat hat, signaling it was story time. Each of them would also choose a hat to wear during the reading. They keep a box full of hats just for this purpose. Once they’ve donned the hats and curled up together in the bed, the reading begins, and the settling into quiet repose, preparatory to sleep, also begins. The hats are a signal that bedtime approaches, and no arguing/debating/coaxing, whatever, needs to take place. This is just the way it is. The earlier you begin a routine such as this, the easier it will be to have it set the bar for this particular activity.

We use placemats at the kitchen table when the children are dining with us; they know where they are kept and at a very early age enjoy “setting” the table with them. Now this same friend suggests that the children make the placemats out of construction paper, creating new themes and designs for each meal. This keeps them busy while you are getting the meal ready, and it gives them a way to contribute to the décor. The more of these “traditions” or “customs” you create, the more memorable and comfortable a visit or stay at your home will be.

I was perusing our vast backlog of pictures to see what other things we’ve done, as I struggled to recall…..and found very quickly that there are too many to count! We keep the same stuffed animals on the beds; they are now old friends. Depending on which grandchildren have been here, they can be found in various places upstairs….in the crib, on the toy chest, on the rocking chair, or just in different beds…but they never make their way downstairs, which is pretty amazing. Once Owen asked to bring the WebKinz panda to the table to keep him company when he was here alone (we had to get the booster seat for it!), but otherwise they appear to be “upstairs” items. We have certain tub toys which they don’t seem to outgrow, simple boats and floaty animals and mermaids. The love to all climb into Grampa's big chair to read.

They love to cook, whether it’s something simple such as brownies or Jello, or more complex, like gingerbread houses. So they make a mess….that’s what sponges are for! They also love to clean, and I wish I could find the picture of Owen vacuuming when the machine was bigger than he! They also love to accompany me to the basement to toss in the clothes, transfer to the dryer, and push the button to start the machines. They can help fold the laundry, even if it looks tormented, because then they can brag to their parents that they, too, helped!

I hope more of you will add other things you do to help the children take ownership of your homes. Ours also love to look at and play with the “stuff” on the refrigerator. Often when they are here they draw pictures for the specific purpose of having their artwork mounted for all to see.

Tip #41: Often it is the very simple things that remain indelibly etched in our minds. Remember your own trips to your grandparents? Sights and sound and smells and little traditions linger. Repetition creates patterns of comfort. Start when they are young. And enjoy every moment….their youth is fleeting…..