Preserving family traditions
The family of Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Han (residing in Long An ward) still maintains a "four generations living together" lifestyle with 12 members, from her grandfather, Mr. Nguyen Dinh Tan (born in 1933), to her children and grandchildren. The members, including parents, siblings, and children, gather together, creating a large, warm, and complete family. Although each person has their own work and daily routine, they all maintain harmony and closeness thanks to the family traditions cultivated over many years.
In Hân's family, the evening meal is the "thread" that connects generations. It's a time when everyone gathers together, sharing stories about their studies, work, and lives. "No matter how busy everyone is, they try to come home for dinner, because that's when the family is closest," Hân shared. As for breakfast and lunch, due to different study and work schedules, family members eat flexibly, but they still receive thoughtful care from the adults in the house.
Besides maintaining a shared lifestyle, the family also preserves traditional values such as filial piety towards grandparents and ancestors; maintaining ancestral worship, traditional memorial services, and Tet (Lunar New Year) celebrations; and educating children about etiquette and proper conduct, showing respect to elders and consideration for juniors. The family members always live harmoniously, supporting and helping each other, while also emphasizing hard work, diligent study, and a simple, frugal lifestyle.
As the third generation in the family, when she first became a daughter-in-law, Ms. Han proactively observed and learned the lifestyles and behaviors of the family members; she was always polite, respectful, and willing to share household chores. Not only that, she also acted as a "bridge" between generations, helping to reconcile differences in thinking and lifestyles. In raising her children, she focused on instilling politeness and filial piety in them from the smallest things, such as inviting grandparents before meals and greeting them when going to and from school. "Initially, I had to remind them, but gradually they did it voluntarily, which makes me very happy," Ms. Han added.
According to Ms. Han, living in a multi-generational family creates a warm atmosphere, allowing family members to support each other; grandparents have the opportunity to care for and educate their grandchildren; and children and grandchildren learn from the experiences and lifestyles of previous generations. This is also an ideal environment for nurturing relationships and character development. However, difficulties do arise. Generational differences can easily lead to differences in viewpoints, lifestyles, and parenting styles. If not handled skillfully, small conflicts can occur. Furthermore, living with many family members requires careful planning and sharing of responsibilities. To achieve harmony, family members prioritize listening, respect, and understanding. Important issues are discussed gently, avoiding imposition.
Holidays and special occasions, especially Lunar New Year or ancestral commemorations, are when Hân's family is most complete. No matter where anyone is or what they're doing, everyone tries to arrange to return home for a reunion. For her, the most memorable moments are the family meals when her grandparents were still healthy, sitting together, eating and chatting lively. "The most memorable moments are when my grandparents told stories to their grandchildren, teaching them simple yet profound lessons. The atmosphere was so warm and cozy, making me clearly feel the value of a multi-generational family," Hân said emotionally.
The flame of love shared across four generations.
In Thanh Thuan hamlet, Thanh Dien ward, the family of Mrs. Nguyen Thi Phien (born in 1937) is one of the families that still maintains the tradition of "four generations living together under one roof." Four generations living together under one roof, bound by love, affection, and harmony, have created a beautiful image of the inheritance and preservation of traditional Vietnamese family values.
Mrs. Phiên and her husband have two children, a son and a daughter. Currently, Mrs. Phiên lives with her son, Mr. Nguyễn Trung Hiếu (born in 1967), and his wife, Ms. Nguyễn Thị Thì (born in 1967), along with two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Despite having multiple generations with different ages, occupations, and life perspectives, the family members remain harmonious, close-knit, and united. Ms. Nguyễn Thị Thì shared: “The most important factor in maintaining family happiness is understanding and compromise. In a large family, arguments and conflicts are inevitable. The important thing is that each person knows how to compromise and respect each other. Adults must set an example, and children and grandchildren must know how to show respect to elders. When everyone prioritizes family feelings, harmony will be maintained.”
More than just a wife and mother caring for her family, Mrs. Thi also acts as a "bridge" connecting her mother-in-law with her children and grandchildren. Every decision in daily life, from family meals to advice, is carefully considered to maintain harmony and spread love. “Family happiness stems from small things every day: a warm meal, a kind word, a moment of listening. When living with multiple generations, respect and understanding are crucial; that is the ‘flame’ that keeps the home warm,” Mrs. Thi said.
For the younger generation, living in a four-generation household is an opportunity to learn and experience valuable lessons. Nguyen Tuan Anh (born in 1993, grandson of Mrs. Phien) said: “Living with my grandmother and parents, I have learned many things in life, from manners to a sense of responsibility. When problems arise, family members often discuss them frankly to understand each other better and avoid prolonged conflicts.”
Mr. and Mrs. Tuan Anh also focus on raising their children, ensuring they receive love and learn to respect everyone in the family. Mr. Tuan Anh said: “We teach our children from small things: knowing how to respect elders, sharing with grandparents, listening to and caring for those around them. At the same time, my wife and I balance our work with time spent with our extended family so that our children receive love from both parents and grandparents.”
In that shared home, each generation has its own role but supports one another. Mrs. Phiên is a source of emotional support for her children and grandchildren; Mr. Hiếu and Mrs. Thì are the link, preserving family traditions; and the younger generation is the continuation, the hope for the future. What is special about this family is their willingness to listen and understand. When conflicts or differing viewpoints arise, members sit down to discuss, share, and find ways to reconcile. Thanks to this, family bonds grow stronger, creating a close-knit home.
Amidst the changes of life, families with four generations living together quietly preserve their traditions, nurturing love through simple everyday things. It is this connection, understanding, and sharing between generations that keeps the family warm and loving.
| Amidst the changes of life, families with four generations living together quietly preserve their traditions, nurturing love through simple everyday things. It is this connection, understanding, and sharing between generations that keeps the family warm and loving. |
Source: https://baotayninh.vn/giu-nep-nha-tu-dai-dong-duong-145262.html
