Family Routines and Rituals

Current Perspectives in Psychology

by Barbara H. Fiese

While family life has conspicuously changed in the past fifty years, it would be a mistake to conclude that family routines and rituals have lost their meaning. In this book Barbara H. Fiese, a clinical and developmental psychologist, examines how the practices of diverse family routines and the meanings created through rituals have evolved to meet the demands of today’s busy families. She discusses and integrates 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.
Looking at a range of family activities from bedtime stories to special holiday meals, Fiese relates such occasions to significant issues including parenting competence, child adjustment, and relational well-being. She concludes by underscoring the importance of flexible approaches to family time to promote healthier families and communities.

Genres: Parenting

159 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

An academic approach exploring the topic of routine and ritual, particularly focused on how the presence of divorce, remarriage, poverty, and single-parenthood can often tear apart the ritual foundation of a family, and, over time, how that sudden jolt in routine or lack thereof is associated with family break-ups. Fascinating. Fiese also writes about how solid routine and ritual, even after divorce, is associated with stronger and more resilient families.

[Martha Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read. "This study of family routine and rituals builds important new bridges between family research and family therapy, enriching both."