January 12, 2020
Family traditions counter alienation and confusion. They help us define who we are; they provide something steady, reliable and safe in a confusing world. -Susan Lieberman
The winter holidays have come and gone.
We now have time to reflect a little bit. Did our holiday live up to our expectations? Did it serve to instill values in our children and create lasting memories? Or did our experience of the holidays leave us disappointed, exhausted or depleted?
Creating family traditions is something that is important to most parents, and yet, how to create traditions that are meaningful and life-giving is tricky business. That’s why I love the series of blog posts on Family Traditions that has been published recently by Rose Rock School, a LifeWays Representative Program in Norman, OK. “Family traditions- as you can read in our series- can be simple or complex. But the complex usually take years to become. What makes it glorious is when you start with an idea and take the next step, whatever the activity is, to be together. Make space to let the moments shine through the chatter of your story. Open your heart to see and revere it. Then, take the greater step of doing it again. And again. And again. Before you know it, you are years down the road brimming with gratitude as you take in what has been created.” Rose Rock’s series reminds us that we need to start with small, practical steps. You can find Rose Rock’s blog about Family Traditions here.
While you are imagining the new traditions you’ll create for your family this year, check out these resources from LifeWays to help:
Living Arts Through the Seasons – Winter
There is still time to jump in this treasure trove, which is more of an online magazine than it is a course. Three months worth of winter activities, reflections and ideas.
Join our thriving community of parents, creating unique family cultures through connection in everyday home life. Get clear on who you want to be as a parent and how you want to spend your time in simple meaningful ways.
This course will support HOW you want to parent and offer activities, traditions and simple daily things that help you live your values with your family.
By connecting to the rhythms in nature that exist all around you
, and creating time to connect with your own intentions, you can embody the qualities you wish to cultivate in your parenting. Our warm and respectful community of parents and teachers are here to inspire, listen and share. Click here for more information.
Navigating the Terrain of Childhood
Begins on January 22nd!
This two-week guided online course for parents of children from birth to age 21 is a gem! Based on a workshop Jack and Cynthia created for a live audience and Jack’s insightful and practical book Navigating the Terrain of Childhood, parents will accompany us on a journey through the changing landscape of developmental needs as children grow.
And, for a limited time only, when you register for the course you will receive Jack’s book by the same name for FREE (S/H nominal fee.) Click here for more information.
The Living Arts – Cornerstones of Care
Begins on February 5th!
One of our most popular online courses!
Join Cynthia and Mary for a four-week course exploring ways to use the Living Arts as the cornerstones for a solid foundation of learning for the young child and enrichment for your own life. Each week we will explore one of the Living Arts in detail and you will learn how to bring these activities into your life with young children, whether at home or in programs:
- Practical Activity, such as cooking, gardening, cleaning, shopping and even folding laundry!
- Nurturing Care, including bodily care, mealtimes, sleep, time in nature and creating a rhythm for your life
- Creative Exploration, such as singing, crafting, painting, storytelling and nurturing your own artistic self
- Social Ability, the art of helping children and adults learn to relate well with other
This course includes a FREE Living Arts Journal, for your own use as you complete the course activities. Click here for more information.
Build traditions that are meaningful this year, and let us help you!