Teaching Children to Celebrate

One of the greatest joys of parenting is teaching our children how to celebrate. As parents, we teach them whether we intend to or not, by example or engaging them in the festivities. In fact, if we do nothing at all, sadly we are teaching them that holiday's aren't that special.

It can be tempting to ignore holidays that seem less significant especially if we don't feel the joy ourselves. Perhaps we are short on cash to deliver the vision we want for our kids. It may be our parents weren't the "celebrating kind" and we reason, "I turned out fine." Our conclusion may be that it isn't that important. You may be lonely and don't care about a holiday because you don't feel like celebrating anything.

Still, it is important to put our children's needs above our own. Though we may not think of celebrating as a "need," ignoring a holiday may translate a message to your child unintended. It really is an awesome responsibility to encourage children to celebrate life, and no time is better than a holiday.

Here are 7 reasons parents should never miss the opportunity to celebrate a holiday with their kids!

1. Heritage - Celebrating holidays offers a heritage. In celebration, a tradition may be created that offers children a sense of self.

2. Value - A child, no matter their status, deserves to smile. Taking a break from routine and regular days to simply have fun with their family provides them a sense of value, because their parents cared enough...to smile with them!

3. Fun - There are many days in life that are not worth celebrating. Holidays give us a reason and we should cease those days to gather with family and friends which offers children a sense of community.

4. Respect - Holidays have a significant reason or purpose. It may be to honor a victory, celebrate a history or historical event or simply remember an important person. Whatever the reason, there is or was cause to celebrate and it is respectful to acknowledge it.

5. Example - Through celebration, we teach our children to enjoy life (and what is worth celebrating!) If we never celebrated anything, how would children ever know when and how to have a good time with their family?

6. Education - Children should learn at home the reason the day is acknowledged. Holidays are a great time to educate on people, places and significant historical events.

7. Belonging -It is important for children to feel like they belong. Schools usually acknowledge holidays and children often share experiences from home at school, for projects or in conversations. Make sure your children have something to give, something to be proud of - because the people in their house are celebrating.