Looking back on the year as a family: a gentle ritual to put in place
Why do a yearly review?
First day of school, first bike ride without stabilisers, learning to read… Every year is sprinkled with small (and big) victories that deserve to be celebrated. Taking the time to do a retrospective with your children means showing them how much they have grown, on their own and alongside the whole #tribe. It also helps strengthen family bonds by creating a reassuring ritual for your little ones before looking ahead to the new year.
Establishing a family ritual
There is no perfect season, only the right moment for your family.
Choose a time when the house slows down: a cosy Sunday morning, a holiday afternoon, or a pressure-free evening, away from the hustle of daily life.
Create a comforting atmosphere, nothing fancy: a candle, a blanket, a warm drink in hand… The main thing is to be together in a little cocoon where everyone feels at ease.
Stuck for inspiration?
Here are a few simple but effective prompts to open up the conversation:
- Their favourite moment of the year
- Their greatest achievement
- The big discovery of the year
- A difficult moment and what they took from it
- The best laughs or memories
- An act of kindness given or received
And of course, leave room for the unexpected. Children are often the best at surprising, inventing and telling stories in their own way.
Rather than a purely verbal exchange, turn this ritual into a little creative activity that your children will love:
- Draw a favourite memory
- Stick in photos or physical mementos
- Write a note to other family members
- Draw question cards
Simple, fun formats, perfect for getting everyone involved willingly.
After diving back into memories, comes a moment children enjoy just as much: imagining what they would like to achieve in the coming year.
Set one goal per person, a shared project, a habit to keep or something to leave behind…
And you, what are your most treasured
moments of the year?
Share with us your most beautiful family achievements, the ones that made your heart sing, your plans for next year or your desire for something new!
your little ones' sayings
"Mummy, I love you like a lightsaber" - Marcus, 3 years old
"Oh grandpa has hair in his nose" - Alba, 3 years old
"Look, I'm jumping like a pigeon!" (feet together) - Louka, 3 years old
AUTHOR
Hello, moi c’est Capucine ! J’espère que cet article vous a plu. Passionnée par la rédaction et spécialisée dans les contenus autour de la petite enfance, je fais partie de l’équipe éditoriale de Petit Picotin. Au fil du blog, j’explore les questions du quotidien des familles pour vous partager conseils, idées et inspirations, en m’appuyant sur des recherches, des sources spécialisées et l’expertise de notre équipe.
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