Top five traditions that can unite a family, from the finalists of the regional stage of the contest "Family of the Year - 2026"

A friendly family of Lyakh from the city of Dyatlovo, in which four children are brought up, this year was recognized as the best in Grodno region. Mother Olga is a specialist of the logistics department of the private enterprise Izocom, father Andrey is the deputy director for quality at Izocom Plast. Active parents from childhood aim their daughters and son on creative victories, develop in them an active life position and a creative approach to all endeavors. We asked family members to compile the top five traditions that help them feel whole, take care of each other and at the same time respect the personal space and characteristics of each household.

Large family Lyakh: daughter Catherine, mother Olga, daughter Anastasia, father Andrei, daughter Polina, son Myron. 1. We meet with a large family in the schoolyard, where there is an opportunity to communicate in full, without tearing children from the educational process.

- Just a week ago we visited the neighboring Novogrudok and were very surprised how little we know about some pages of history, - emphasizes the head of the family Andrey. - We try to take the children to the sea, as well as show other cities of Belarus. We want them to see what a beautiful country they live in. By and large, we have already traveled along all the iconic and popular tourist routes, visited the Old Castle in Grodno, Lida, Mir castles, many ancient estates and beautiful temples. Last year I drove to Georgia by car. We were very impressed! Now we are thinking about how we can share our experiences with other families. In general, I love walks, nature, beautiful places. In winter we are sure to ski, go to the rink, make snowmen, fry barbecues. Leisure is very diverse, but always joint. Children look at us, actively connect and even build their own routes. From travels, a friendly family brings souvenirs and photographs, which capture the general mood and sincere emotions that can not be faked. 2. Especially touching family tradition: every year hang on the Christmas tree a new toy and write letters with wishes and results of the past year, turning it into a living tree of memories.

- It is also interesting that our family has two denominations: Catholic and Orthodox, - says Olga. - We first met when I left the church. Then passed by, but, as it turned out much later, we fell into each other’s soul and this day we still remember to the smallest detail. At Christmas, the mother always cooks jelly, the recipe of which is passed down from generation to generation. Well, as usual, many different dishes, without which it is impossible to imagine a festive table. At the mother of Andrew we meet Christmas Eve according to Orthodox traditions. It is very important that children notice small differences, while feeling the general atmosphere of waiting for a miracle and something bright and beautiful. Every Sunday the whole family goes to the temple, and this is another tradition.

Olga Lyakh speaks of love for her native country at the genetic level:

- I was born and raised in Dyatlovo, like my husband, and we never thought that we could live anywhere else. What could be better than a small homeland, where relatives, close people, friends are nearby, where ancestors are buried? Our Dyatlovsk land knew many misfortunes and sorrows, suffered greatly during the Great Patriotic War, and we must honor the memory of the dead civilians and heroes who brought Victory closer, thanks to which we can freely live and breathe fully.

- With the birth of children, it seems that opportunities for development have opened up, everything began to develop by itself, Andrey said. The truth is that if God gives children, He gives them strength and resources to raise them. The credit line under Decree No. 13 was opened as needing better housing conditions when we had only two children. At the birth of the third child, the amount was written off by half, and with the advent of the fourth, the state began to pay for us. That’s how we solved the housing problem in a few years, and now our efforts are aimed at improving, bringing beauty and creating even more comfort. The Lyah family shows their beautiful home, located near the school where the children study.

- If you concentrate the role of the father in one word, then this is a support, the father of many children emphasizes. I consider it important for my part, first of all, to monitor the wealth, so that our house was a full bowl, where it is always warm, light and smells of pastries. And this is not only about the financial component, but also about the atmosphere of stability and tranquility, where each family member thinks about creating, setting goals and achieving personal victories. A spouse as a mother needs help and warm words of support. All major family decisions are made together.

- On weekends, we do everything together, but on weekdays, everyone has their own schedules, additional classes, mugs and hobbies, so you have to keep in mind the fact that you are waiting for dinner, Olga shares. In the evening, everyone necessarily tells what deeds and emotions the day was filled with, what plans for tomorrow. There are no small problems, and if the child is not heard at the initial stage, then there is a chance that in the future he will cease to trust and become distant.

The family motto is: “Difficulty experienced together loses its weight.” Joy divided into all becomes happiness

- The decision to become parents with many children was taken together with Olga, adds the head of the family. I come from a large family, and for me it is a common phenomenon when many relatives gather at a large table at holidays. Olga has only a sister, but almost all previous generations also had 5-7 children in their families. 5. Each member of the Lyah family has different hobbies, but there is another unifying cause - participation in all city holidays. Girls perform with vocal numbers, and many villagers know them in person.

Pauline. “When we were offered to take part in the competition “Family of the Year – 2026”, they did not think for a long time,” he said. We started with the district stage, where we presented the project “Family Compass: Traveling, Remembering, Proud”, inviting other families to discover interesting places of their native Belarus. They won, went to the regional level.

Andrey is very proud of the achievements of the children:

Polina is in the ninth grade, she has already graduated from music school, sings very well and feels confident on stage. He is also fond of sports, prefers athletics, and although there are no serious achievements yet, constant classes allow him to be in good physical shape. He is also a good student, especially in the humanities. She always says that being an older sister is not only honorable, but also responsible, because she is an example for the younger ones. We see her as an assistant, we ask you to look after the younger ones, maintain order. Together with her middle daughter Katya, they try to cook something delicious while we are at work. They already know a lot, even desserts and sweets. Junior Nastya is a creative person, gladly takes part in competitions. Our only son, Myron, is a very intelligent and reasonable child who can stand up for himself, so it is easy with him.

vrublevskaya@sb.by