One of the most common pitfalls families face is forgetting that common courtesies are not just for those outside the home. Here is a fun way to remind each other.
Siblings often talk to each other in ways they would never use with their friends. Parents can be guilty of forgetting to show their appreciation for a job well done. Children often have no concept of the work their parents do to keep the home organized and running smoothly. An easy, fun and effective way of showing your appreciation and respect for each other is at your fingertips.
Gather your family together and tell them about a new idea that you believe will be a fun and exciting way for your family to enjoy each other. Explain that everyone is equally involved and reassure them that the family project will in no way be invasive of their time or outside activities.
The Family Appreciation Project is simple:
1. Create a simple card cut out of something fun and lively from either construction paper or poster board. It might be a good idea to laminate it for longevity, or you may find it more enjoyable to encourage a different child to create a new one every few weeks.
2. Choose an "it" person. This will be the first in the family to initiate the project. It is entirely up to this person who he chooses as the next recipient of the card.
3. The family member in possession of the card chooses another family and secretly does something nice and out of the ordinary for them. Some suggestions follow:
- Quickly make their bed for them in the morning while they are in the shower;
- Feed the pets on the day it was his or her responsibiity to do so;
- Create a homemade gift that would have special, personal meaning for them;
- Take the trash out on their night, do the dishes for them, wash their car...you get the idea.
4. Leave the card somewhere the recipient will find it and can recognize the good deed that has been done for them.
5. The family member now in possession of the card is now in charge of choosing the next recipient.
The age of your children and your family's schedule will help you determine if this process should be daily or weekly. No more time than the good deeds typically require, daily is often the preferred schedule. Consistency is key and your children should be encouraged to understand that the family is counting on their participation. Also, be cautious that your family keeps the deeds simple, independent of any financial discrepancies between one family and another and meaningful to the participant. No grandstanding on anyone's part is needed.
The simplicity of this family project is what makes it so fun and meaningful. A touch of friendly competition is fine, as long as the competition is based on the level of thoughtfulness and creativity put into the gestures. At the end of each week, talk briefly about the good deeds that were done for each of you and what they meant to you. In no time, you will see a significant difference in the way your entire family interacts with each other. Meaningful acts of kindness tend to have that affect.
