The Creative Family

“In dwelling, live close to the ground.  In thinking, keep it to the simple.  In conflict, be fair and generous.  In governing, don’t try to control.  In work, do what you enjoy.  In family life, be completely present.” Tao Te Ching

This is a quote from the book The Creative Family by Amanda Blake Soule.  This is a wonderful book for families in regards to how to encourage imagination and nurture family connections with in our home life.

It is so important for us to be truly present in our family life.  So often we think of the list of things we need to get done – chores around the house, bills that need to be paid, meals that need to be cooked and we are so focused on the future that we forget about the present.  But do we take enough time each day to savor the precious, fleeting moments we have with our family?  Personally, I need to be better about this, but I do try to make a concious effort several times a day to check myself to see if I am truly present with my girls and my husband.

One of the ways I find helps me to connect to my daughter is through our bedtime ritual.  We do not have a drawn out bedtime routine like some families do, we simply can’t at this time with having a newborn as well.  But we do try to make our short ritual a meaningful one.

My daughter gets her PJ’s on.  I pick her up and give her a big hug and put her in her crib.  Then I lay three blankets on her as she counts each one…..”1, 2, 3″ she says.  Then I kneel down by her head, look in her eyes and say our prayers……”Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. Angels guide me through the night, wake me with the morning light – God bless Mommy, Daddy, Savannah, baby Matilda and all the rest of our family and friends”.  Then I tell her all the wonderful things that she did that day.  Even if it’s been one of those crazy filled days full of tears and tantrums, I always try to end the day on a positive note full of love.  I want her to drift off into dreamland feeling loved and adored (as she truly is).  After we finish, I tell her I love her, give her a kiss and leave the room – I look back before I close the door and she always pops her head up, looks at me and flashes a smile that has love written all over it.

It is in these rituals we create within our families that are the memories our children will take with them into adulthood.  So I ask you, what rituals have you started that bring you better connected with your family members?  And if you can’t think of any, then perhaps it is time to start developing those rituals, living in the moment, and connecting with the most important people in your life; your family.

Click here to find out more information on the book, The Creative Family