Simple Secrets That Create Happy Family Memories

Did you know that research has found that doing simple rituals enhances our feelings of togetherness and family belonging by almost 20 percent? What’s more, those home traditions and customs also increase our kids’ social skills and development. Here are nine simple, no-cost secrets moms are using to create happy memories. What are you doing to preserve memories of your times together?

1. Nighttime rituals: Read a nighttime story; remind each other of the best part of the day; give hugs and kiss goodnight; with older kids reconvene in the kitchen for a nighttime snack around 9:30. Then everyone gets his goodnight send-off: a kiss, a backrub, and affirm their love for one another and it’s off to bed (or in some cases, back to homework).

2. Special greetings and ways to say “I love you”: Rub noses for an “Eskimo kiss”; create your own unique family funny hugs.

3. Celebration of successes: Hang a flag on the front door when something special has happened to a family member;