.....Red plates.......

This week my big girl was selected to participate in her 5th grade geography bee and did really well. After the bee was over and I went to congratulate my daughter, the first words out of her mouth were "do I get to eat on a red plate tonight?"....

You see, when my girlies were small I read an article about establishing traditions or rituals within your family and how meaningful they can become in your children's lives.

And while I can't say we have managed to establish many, a few simple rituals have become an important part of our "family rhythm".

One suggestion from the article (which I wish I had saved so I could refer you to it) was to purchased red plates.

Why red plates you ask?

Well, when your child has something to celebrate - losing a tooth, winning a game, celebrating a dance recital, a good report card etc...set their place at the dinner table with a special "red plate".

Simple, huh?

My girls are now 11 and 7 years old. They look forward to celebrating their successes with dinner on a red plate.

Really!

Often, in my hurry to put dinner on the table, I forget the red plate. Quickly, I am reminded by the celebrant that tonight is a "red plate night" for them.

This simple tradition makes them feel special and their accomplishments, no matter how small, or big, validated.


As I look down the road....I see a red plate on the table at their weddings(but only if I really like the guy!)....and certainly I will gift them a red plate at their baby shower(if they are over the age of 21!) so the tradition can be carried on.

Thought I might pass along this simple family tradition....I would love to hear other rituals/traditions you practice in your family!