Families come in all shapes and sizes, and so does what we might call “weird.” From silly nicknames to creating our own languages, every family has its unique quirks. Here are ten ways my family might stand out in the realm of eccentricity:
- We Teach Our Kids All the Colorful Words.
We believe kids will encounter these words sooner or later, so why not teach them the right context? So far, our 5-year-old, who has a knack for colorful language, hasn’t caused any trouble at school—but kindergarten might change that! - We Indulge in Outrageous Dance Parties.
Picture this: my husband and I grooving to ’80s hits while the kids join in. I never danced with my parents, so this feels a little bizarre to me, but it’s a joyful experience I hope my kids cherish as they grow older. - We Celebrate Life’s Daily Oddities.
“Whoa, you’re wearing a cape made of dish towels and a colander as a hat? Bold choice!” We make it a point to applaud each other’s silly decisions. High fives all around! - Role Reversals Are Our Norm.
Our son loves wearing costumes, while our daughter has an adventurous spirit. Meanwhile, my husband is the gourmet chef of the household, and I often find myself channeling my inner couch potato. - We Choose to Live in the Woods.
Yes, we live among bears—by choice! Our kids can identify animal tracks and know what to do if they encounter a mountain lion. Sometimes, we even haul groceries up our hill on sleds during snowstorms. What were we thinking? - Obsessions Run Rampant.
Our son has mastered pogo sticking, achieving a jaw-dropping 6,000 jumps in one go. My daughter is on a mission to build the tallest towers, while I lose hours in the world of writing. My husband’s woodworking endeavors have also taken over our living space! - Board Games Are Our Family Bond.
From Monopoly to Yahtzee, we thrive on game nights. I may or may not have an intense competitive streak when it comes to beating my kids. - Inventing Absurd Games is Our Specialty.
Recently, we spent an embarrassingly long time trying to kick a soccer ball through a spinning hula hoop. Give it a try—it’s surprisingly entertaining! - Outdoor Napping is Our Thing.
Whether in hammocks or on blankets, we often nap outside, despite the occasional bear passing by. Once, our son dashed inside when he spotted a mama bear—definitely not your average nap time! - We Occasionally Skip School for Family Adventures.
Whether it’s skiing or simply enjoying a movie day, we believe that life is too short to miss out on fun. After all, who wants to be stuck in school when there are memories to be made?
This list barely scratches the surface of our family’s quirks, but it’s a start. Embracing our differences makes life far more enjoyable than simply trying to fit in. So let’s all show off our unique selves!
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Summary
In this article, Dr. Emma Hartley shares the quirky traditions and habits that define her family’s unique identity. From embracing silly dance parties to living in the woods, these traits highlight the joy found in being different. The piece encourages all families to celebrate their individuality and explore the fun in their own eccentricities.