Newswise — An annual summer vacation or special summer time event for families can help in establishing a tradition that fosters togetherness and creates shared experiences for families, according to Barbara Fiese, professor and chair of the psychology department at Syracuse University and clinical and developmental psychologist.
While family life has changed significantly in the last half century, family traditions—such as a summer vacation or outing--are just as important now as they were back when father knew best, according to Fiese. "My research has found that family rituals such as this may provide feelings of belonging and closeness related to mental and physical health," she says. "Just remember that while high-tech gadgets such as portable gaming devices, MP3 players and DVD players are fun diversions, they should not monopolize the attention of individual family members during the whole trip or activity. Instead, consider finding a way to use the technology to create a shared experience, such as creating a family playlist for the MP3 player." In her most recent book "Family Routines and Rituals," (Yale University Press, 2006), Fiese discusses various research literatures and draws on her own studies to show how family routines and rituals influence physical and mental health, translate cultural values, and may even be used therapeutically. From bedtime stories to a special summer trip, Fiese relates such occasions to significant issues including parenting competence, child adjustment and relational well-being. "Rituals and family traditions are particularly important and convey that 'this is who we are' as a group and provide continuity in meaning across generations." Fieses' research has appeared in the Journal of Family Psychology, the Journal of Pediatrics and Family Process, among other publications.
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