Sure, it is nice to make changes and try new things as a family, but that isn’t always possible. You may have visions of becoming a vegetarian family or switching churches and find that others within the family unit balk and refuse to participate–or at least to participate willingly. It can take a little tact, care, patience, and planning to make big changes as a group–and sometimes, you might have to just make them on your own!
When kids are young, it might be easier to make wholesale changes as a family. The less independent and mobile kids are, the more likely they are to agree to a change in diet or location or activity. As kids get older, however, it may take some planning and “easing” in. I found that as my kids got older, everything from moving to changing the grocery list seemed to take more effort. Everyone had to weigh in and it became more about negotiations than my making a decision to change things for the betterment of the family.
Big things, like changing churches, moving to another town, state or country, switching schools, adopting or having another child–all of these are ultimately parental decisions but have a huge impact on everyone. It is best to take everyone into account and give people time to adjust to the impending change. Of course, you may just have to go ahead without the family blessing, but expect to give everyone time to cope and adjust.
Some changes you hope will become part of your family culture might never “take”–you may never be able to convert your family to vegetarianism or becoming outdoor enthusiasts–but, at least you have remained true to your own desires and introduced some “new ways” into your family. Even if everyone doesn’t jump on board, trying new things and expanding your experiences is a good thing!
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