• If this is new for your family - review the steps for giving compliments
• Each family member takes a turn giving a compliment to each of the other family members.
• If this new for your family and people are unsure what to say, try starting the compliment with "One thing I really like about you...". Make sure to follow up this statement with an example
• If you hold family meetings consider starting with this exercise. It will set a positive and caring tone for your gathering.
• It is really nice to use this when extended family gets together.

Compliment journals

• If your family is not comfortable about speaking your feelings out loud, then using a compliment journal is a great alternative. Another advantage to a compliment journal is that it can be read over and over again.
• A small book is made (or purchased) for each family member with their name clearly marked on it.
• Sit in circle at a table (or any configuration which will work), passing your compliment journals to the right.
• Each family member then writes a compliment in the journal.
• Journals are continually passed along and written in until they return to the owner of the journal.

Creative activity

• Incorporate compliments into an art project.
• Create a "What I like about you" poem for a family member(s). This could be framed, printed on handmade paper, put into a card, or any numerous other things

• What's so wonderful about community compliments is that they help to raise everyone's awareness of the many people outside of the family - youth group leaders, clergy, a family friend, a music or dance teacher, the bus driver, next door neighbor, best friend, etc. - who enrich your lives.
• Can you find five people who make a difference to you?
• What is it you like about them? Give an example.
• Now let them know either in person or in writing.

• Helps family members to foster a sense of gratitude and appreciation of each other
  
• Raises awareness of positive qualities of family members
  
• Builds closeness and trust
  
• Models, encourages, and rewards kindness
  
• Everyone feels great

Home | Compliments | Activities | Share a compliment | Book excerpt | Media kit | Contact us

Site hosting and maintenance by InterActive Synergy, LLC