Toddler Tuesday- The Importance of Family.

"Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind. Or forgotten." -Lilo & Stitch.

Teaching a toddler the importance of family is an essential to building a child's sense of security and keeping them grounded. It's something to instill in them so that they have a sense of pride and loyalty.

I do understand there are certain situations where this doesn't apply. There are certain situations where your friends become your family, and even then, this same principle applies.

This being said, our family is hectic. We are not your average family and by no means are we normal. However, Autumn will know her family always has her back, and in return she will always be there to catch her cousins when they fall, or to help Grandma when she needs it. Because that is what family does.

This weekend she got to see her family on my side quite a bit. More than usual, since she got to see both my maternal and paternal sides of the family. I want to continue taking her around them so she can understand that they are the firsts people who will be permanent in her life. Before the friends and the crushes - she had family.

Do any of you struggle with keeping family close with your little ones?