Handling Failure

Family Rituals

 

Handling Failure in the Family

Everyone will experience failure at some point in their life. It can sometimes cause us to feel inadequate or even question our ability to be successful. If we recognize our failure, learn from it and not repeat it, then it's OK. Many great people have also experienced a failure and they didn't allow that to stand in their way.

Think It Through
Children & Teens:
Failure is an event, not a person. This is an opportunity for trying again or trying something different. What did you learn from this experience?
Parents:
Is there something you're doing or not doing that could be contributing to this problem? Are you allowing your child to be overscheduled or be in situations involving excessive pressure?

Act
Children & Teens:
Talk to your parents or a trusted adult about how you feel and what you can do differently so this might not happen again. Ask the Lord to give you strength to help you pass through this difficult time.
Parents:
With reflective listening, reassure your child that this doesn't change how much you love him or her. Incorporate a family ritual, such as a "bear hug" and a prayer, to help heal this experience.
(See suggested Resources)

Scripture
Isaiah 41:10 - Fear not, I am with you; be not dismayed; I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, and uphold you with my right hand.

Resources
Ages 4-8:
Nightlights: Stories & Advice to Help Your Child Discover Peace, Confidence and Creativity by David Fontana & Anne Civardi
Ages 9-12:
7 Secrets of Highly Successful Kids by Peter Kuitenbrouwer
Teens:
7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey
Parents:
Family Prayer for Family Times by Kathleen Chesto
Take Back Your Time: Fighting Overwork & Time Family in America by William Doherty & Barbara Carlson

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Family Rituals

Rituals are repeated behaviors or patterns that call and bond family members together, reflect and celebrate family values and beliefs, and become ingrained in the fabric and life of the family. Rituals may also be referred to as traditions, customs, rites, or celebrations.

Children are often best at determining what shared activity or event becomes a family ritual or tradition. If an activity or event is memorable and meaningful enough for children to request that it be repeated, in the minds of children the activity is already considered a ritual or a tradition.

Family ritual occasions:

Bedtime	Prayer/Sacramental	Cultural/Ethnic
Around the table	Travel/In the Car	Leisure/Recreational/Athletic
Holiday/Seasonal	Aesthetic/Artistic	Rites of Passage

Think It Through and Share

Our family has a daily ritual of___________________________________________

Our family enjoys a weekly ritual of_______________________________________

Our family participates in a spiritual ritual of________________________________

Our family shares in a recreational ritual of ________________________________

What I get most out of our family ritual of________________is________________

 

Act
Create a family altar. Spread a special cloth. Have each member bring an item that represents what makes them unique. Decorate further with flowers, candles, or art. Have each member share why or how they chose the article they brought to the altar. Say a prayer or have a reading or reflection. Display your family altar in a visible location in your home.

Scripture
"Let each generation tell its children of your might deeds." Psalm 145:4