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Home » Blog » Celebrate every day

in Habits for Happy Kids

Celebrate every day

Why not find something to celebrate every day? A lost tooth, an extra measure of kindness, diligence in school work or finding the long-lost library book.P3090557

At first we just pulled out the special plate for birthdays. But then I read this celebratory idea and love it.

Several times during the week someone gets the special plate. Often we rotate through the family based on age. Even Mama and Daddy get a turn!

Whoever has the special plate at supper time gets to lead us in the blessing. Then at some point during the meal, when tummies are about full, we ask the question. “What do you appreciate about ___________?”

I made a mental list of what everyone shared about the six-year-old the other night. One said, “I appreciate her because she plays great Barbie stories.” Another, “I like how she plays outside with me and bird watches with me.” Daddy said, “I appreciate how she’s made an extra effort to keep her room clean this week!” The three-year-old said, “I appreciate her because she is a sweet sister.”

Any plate will do. Maybe you don’t have a red one but another pretty one to recognize the special person of the day. And it doesn’t have to be reserved for the evening meal. Next pretty day, have a tea party!

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The point is to find reasons to celebrate in the every day. Use it. Let it get chipped on the sides from overuse.

Just a practical way we can encourage each other and practice Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to use in edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

originally published March 15, 2009

For a special way to celebrate a child’s birthday, click here.

-Tricia homeschools five children from preschool to middle school, mixing up a classical and Charlotte Mason style. You can find her facing that daily dose of chaos at Hodgepodge. She contributes a mixture of writing for The Curriculum Choice, $5 Dinners, Passionate Purposeful Parenting and is a.k.a. Hodgepodgemom.

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Filed Under: Habits for Happy Kids Tagged With: gratitude, Habits for a Happy Home, written by Tricia, you are special plate

About Hodgepodgemom

Tricia faces a daily dose of chaos homeschooling five children. The biggest lesson she’s learned? At the end of the day – when the dishes are put away and the children are tucked in bed – truly what matters is each child’s relationship with the Lord. Raising children is a God-given privilege and, folks, the time is short.

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Previous Post: « Habit of walking in the Spirit and being a Big Girl
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Comments

  1. Angie says

    October 20, 2009 at 8:27 AM

    I love it!! This is a wonderful idea!! Did you ake your own plate or buy it? If you made it what kind of paint did you use to decorate it? Thanks!! Be Blessed, Angie

    Reply
    • Tricia says

      October 20, 2009 at 8:57 AM

      Angie, like Kendra, this was a gift. I checked and they are available online several places. You can search for “red you are special today plate” 🙂

      Reply
  2. Kendra says

    October 20, 2009 at 8:40 AM

    A great friend gave us a red plate for this same purpose as a wedding gift. We used it quite bit in the beginning, but got out of the habit. Thanks for the reminder!

    Reply
  3. Cassandra Frear says

    October 21, 2009 at 8:42 AM

    I like this so much, I would like to post a link to it on Apple Pie.

    I think your post will help a lot of moms think about how to make days special and kids feel special, too.

    Reply
    • Tricia says

      October 21, 2009 at 11:40 AM

      Cassandra I’d be honored!

      Reply

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