What do you do when you see one side of your family line beginning to steadily drift apart?

Much of what we talk about is how to play offense with family—learning to coordinate efforts and do more and more as a team.

But sometimes you have to play defense with family—preserve the ground that has already been won.

My wife, April, saw this drift beginning and proposed starting a brand new tradition.

Let’s declare one day a year “Seely Day” and come hell, highwater or pandemic we’ll host an event at our house where everyone from that side of the family is invited. We’ll play games, host a talent show for the kids and a sharing time with all the adults along with lots of delicious food and drink.

And so it happened, the first annual Seely Day, the day after Thanksgiving, this year and every year going forward.

So much was shared and experienced on that day that we’re hopeful some of these connections can grow into even more interaction and partnerships throughout the year. But at the very least April and her siblings drew a line in the sand—the drift will be checked by this annual tradition.

Are there areas in your family life where it’s time to play defense?

Don’t let idealism stop you from preserving the good that exists in your family.

Jeremy

This entry is a part of Jeremy’s Journal, a newsletter Jeremy sends out every Wednesday morning to encourage you on your parenting journey. You can sign up to get them every Wednesday here.