12 Tips for Winter Break: Build Family Traditions

Tip 10: Cook Together

When you cook with your kids, you teach them fundamental skills - and you get this great opportunity to teach yourself patience as well. Make something fun, and take deep breaths when they spill the flour everywhere.

When you cook together, you provide this possibility of your child having a positive memory forever. I still remember my dad letting me cut up the apples for a Thanksgiving pie when I was 8. Or my grandma letting me bake cakes with friends in her kitchen during highschool. Small things have a big impact.

And if you're looking for good blogs to follow for recipes, from moms and for moms, I love Smitten Kitchen and Dinner a Love Story - anyone else you all love to read for cooking inspiration??

Tip 11: Celebrate Family Traditions

My mom's side of the family always opens up pajamas every christmas eve, for as long as I can remember. The highlight one year was a pair of pj pants decorated with Elvises (Elvi??)

Winter break is unique in that it's a break from school that is so filled with meaning for many families. When we build traditions, or when we celebrate new ones, we create lasting moments for our children.

What are family holiday traditions your family loves?

Tip 12: Gratitude

Thank you! Thank you thank you, for following this series and for taking the time to figure out what works for you and your winter break. It's been awesome getting to do this blog series, and I hope there are a few take home tips for you all.

Gratitude is important to share and to demonstrate, and it's crucial to guide our kids to do the same. In addition to writing the obligatory thank you card, it can be nice to sprinkle in some gratitude outside of the winter holiday season. Teach your kids to say thank you... and remember to thank them, too. Even for the small things. Model the behavior you want to see in them. It's small, but it's crucial!

Curious to hear more? Kelsey Torgerson, MSW, LCSW specializes and child anger management and anxiety therapy for teens. She helps kids, teens and college students from age 4 on up in St. Louis, MO. Her office is located in Clayton. Reach out via kelsey@compassionatecounselingstl.com to hear more!