Holidays are full of wonderful memories because everyone goes out of their way to make those days special. But everyday life can be equally special when you keep in mind the idea that celebrations can happen anytime.

For instance, did one of your children just get a new tooth or ride that bike all the way to the end of the street? Did you wake up this morning feeling sentimental about a first date, an old friend or the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee? Any day can be worthy of a spontaneous celebration, regardless of what the calendar says.

What Children Learn

Get the kids involved in planning a party. They’ll enjoy seeing that while parties are frequently held to honor big occasions like a birthday or graduation, they can also make an ordinary day more festive.

Any day is appropriate for a spur-of-the-moment celebration and children will soon become experts at finding reasons to celebrate. A dry diaper two nights in a row? A compliment from the teacher? A letter showing an exotic foreign stamp?

By honoring such occasions, you’ll be showing your little ones that in order to make the most of everyday life, it’s important to notice and appreciate small events as well as the big ones. What might seem like ordinary incidents can become special when viewed with an attitude of gratitude. And nothing says “special” better than a celebration. [Read more...]