At Lirum Larum Leg, we take great pride in genuinely helping children's guardians to create inspiring environments - in a clear and simple way - where play becomes a source of hygge, fun, presence, and immersion.
That's why we are delighted, in cooperation with experts Fie Hørby and Mie Kaae from Blackbird Institute, to offer you tips and inspiration for life with children.
Birthdays are the best thing in the world!
Weeks before my children have their birthdays, the countdown and the discussion about the day begin: How many days are there until now? How many more sleeps? Did you remember to buy the number balloons? And extra train carriages for the birthday train? We also need those decorations that hang in the windows, right? And you have to bake your delicious chocolate cake!
It's all about the traditions. And why are traditions so important? They matter because they frame the day in a way that becomes part of the family culture. This way, traditions strengthen the sense of unity by sharing the same experiences year after year - and we can find joy together. As the children grow, these reference frames also carry the childhood memories that they share and may carry forward.
I remember my first child's 1-year birthday. It was probably mostly for me and his dad - but it was large - because it was here that I established many of the traditions and the framework I wanted to create around our, and especially the children's, birthdays at home. Among some of the traditions are, just like many others, being awakened with song and flags and coming to a breakfast table with a birthday train with as many carriages as the age - a train they each will take with them when they move out. It has also become a tradition to have balloons with the birthday year on them - and to adorn the place, and we always take the day off on our own and each other’s birthdays.
Traditions are something we create together and evolve throughout the children's childhood. Ask them what they would appreciate on their birthday. Which traditions would they like to have? Maybe let everyone in the family express their wishes loudly and clearly without judging the wishes in or out. Just listen. In the end, it's mom and dad who decide which traditions they will uphold.
Have a fantastic party!
By Mie Kaae, April 28, 2018
Gain deeper insights about yourself and your child in Blackbird Institute's newsletter, where Fie Hørby & Mie Kaae advise parents and professionals each week on how we can take greater leadership in the family, to form closer relationships and better connections with ourselves and our children.
Blackbird Institute is a family therapy institute that offers training in relational competence, family counseling, and family therapy. The institute was founded by Fie Hørby and Mie Kaae.
Fie Hørby is a psycho- and family therapist and mother to Rumle, 16 years, Liv, 11 years, and Isak, 0 years. She has written the bestseller “Drop the Upbringing!” and the book “About Teenagers – for Parents”.
Mie Kaae holds a master's degree in psychology and communication, is the author of the book "What Do You Really Want?" and is trained in dance and body therapy. Mie is also a mother of three - Marvin, 12 years, Linus, 10 years, and Havanna, 2 years.
Read more about Blackbird Institute here
