Introduction to the special section on family routines and rituals

This brief introduction to the special section on family routines and rituals highlights several key points that cut across the collected articles. Taken together, the articles point out that families engage in regular and predictable routines that promote close and healthy relationships. Second, these studies exemplify the potential to bridge individual and systemic levels in family research. Third, there are direct applications to clinical work providing avenues for assessment and interventions with diverse groups of families.