A lovely, private tradition between new parents to celebrate the birth of a child for years to come.

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Parents Crushing It with CanCan Quick Steps

One of my friends shared this unique tradition, which her father started, to celebrate the birth of a child. As an only child, he was grateful to his wife for giving him a family with several children. He gave the mother of his children a card and gift on the eve of every child’s birthday until she died after 53 years of marriage.

Like the tradition where husbands and wives or partners give each other wedding gifts to start their new life together, parents can begin a lovely, private tradition between them to celebrate the birthdays of each of their children. (If you already have children, start this tradition on their next birthday. It’s never too late for parents to celebrate with each other!)

Here are five Quick Steps to Bond on the Birth of a Child for Years to Come:

1. On the Day of Your Child’s Birth, Exchange Letters Sharing Your Joy
2. Give Each Other a Big, Beautiful Wooden or Decorative Box
3. Each Year Exchange Letters Sharing the Joys of That Year
4. Share Special Gifts if You Wish
5. Continue the Tradition to Strengthen Your Bond

STEP 1: On Day of Your Child’s Birth, Exchange Letters

Write your letters in advance of your due date or adoption date. Share how happy you are that you are doing this together and why you think your spouse/partner will be a great parent. Also, what do you look forward to—and how many firsts will there be to celebrate? Share all your joyful thoughts.

STEP 2: Give Each Other a Big, Beautiful Wooden or Decorative Box

In advance of your child’s arrival, find a decorative box each to hold the first of many letters to be exchanged on your child’s birthday. Wrap them up and give the boxes to each other before your due date—symbolizing lovely mementos of all the joy to come when the baby finally arrives.

STEP 3: Each Year Exchange Letters Sharing the Joys of That Year

It will be exciting to see how many items of joy shared memories each parent holds special. It’s also a wonderful time to highlight what a fantastic mom or dad they are, especially when they __________ (fill in the blank with specifics).

If online writing is your thing, check out futureme.org. This website allows you to write a letter and pick a date in the future to send to one another.

STEP 4: Exchange Gifts if You Wish

This is your tradition. The letters of love and gratitude are gifts in themselves. However, you can exchange small gifts every year or celebrate every five years with a couples’ event—whatever your heart desires and your budget allows. You are on this parental adventure together, so reward yourselves for the great job you are doing!

STEP 5: Continue the Tradition to Strengthen Your Bond

Parenting is joyful and stressful. You are in this together, so reminding each other of all the positive parenting moments helps you get through the tough ages and stages. Your letters cement special moments in your mind, and all the loving compliments you give each other each year strengthen your bond. Plus, you can reread the letters anytime for a boost of joy!

You might also enjoy How to Create an Awesome Photoshoot for your Newborn Baby.

Congratulations on Becoming Parents!

I hope this parenting tradition appeals to you! Send photos of your babies and decorative boxes or share how you celebrate your children’s births to cheryl@cancanmom.com. For all kinds of mom-centered creative ideas, visit me on Instagram at CanCanMomCB or on Pinterest at theCanCanMom.