For some reason, I begin to notice lately that I was not being very positive with my family. I was seeing all the wrong things going on, and found myself not complimenting or encouraging anyone much. Plus the boys seemed to be fussing with each other more, so I decided to take action. I did two things which I feel made a big difference in our family. I ended up taking the Wii away for the month of February (That is the only video game system we have) to see if that would help the boys because they fussed a lot when playing. "Why did you do that"..."Ugh, you made me die", etc.
The second thing I did was to get some branches from the yard and make a Random Acts of Kindness tree. Michael tried to spray paint the branches for me, but two cans of the white spray paint...neither would work. I guess in below freezing weather you really can't spray paint easily. Well, I was determined to make my idea work anyway. It does not have to be anything really creative, although it certainly could be. My goal was to implement it right away.
Our RAC tree...
It sits on our dining room table, but I could not get a good picture there. The first thing I did was cut out a LOT of red hearts. After all, it is the month of LOVE. I knew I would also be using the hearts for a creative photo shoot. Next, I explained to the family that anytime someone does something kind or good, it would be written on a heart and hung on the tree. We talked about what random act of kindness was and gave some examples like during our 12 days of giving where a lot of the giving was just random acts of kindness. The boys seem to be excited from the get go especially when they were surprised with a new heart. However, they could not ask to get a heart when they did something good, even though they tried to.
To make it easier, I have a basket of hearts tied with twine and a pen on the table that are ready to be written on. It really has helped me to look for the positive each day. This has been a great way of showing love in our family. I plan on doing something special with all the hearts that are written on in the near future.
To make it easier, I have a basket of hearts tied with twine and a pen on the table that are ready to be written on. It really has helped me to look for the positive each day. This has been a great way of showing love in our family. I plan on doing something special with all the hearts that are written on in the near future.
What random acts of kindness have you shown to your family lately?
22 comments:
Ahh, that's a great idea! I recently started a thing sort of similar to that! But I'm thinking...maybe I should yank the Wii (our only gaming system also) too. That sounds like good times for mommy!
My kids fuss the entire time they're playing Wii, too! It drives me crazy!!!
I love the RAC tree idea! I just might have to steal that one! I already have the branches that I use to clip my Christmas cards to. Now I just need to make the hearts.
I love this! We have been trying harder to look for the positives around here too. I might need to make one of those trees. So great, Rhonda!
Great idea! Love that the boys are participating and enjoying it. Way to go Mama!!
What a wonderful idea to spread POSITIVE love in your house! I love it!!
~Becca
Now that is a fabulous idea. What a way to teach us all to look at the good in the day.
Give yourself and A+ Mom!
Great idea! We have the same problem with fussing and blaming each other when it comes to the wii. We have a rule where after one reminder if there is still bickering going on, the wii goes off. We have encouraged the boys to communicate more effectivly while playing by encouraging and helping each other. They are doing better :)
What a fabulous idea Rhonda! You are so creative. How can you NOT start to see all of the good when you have such a wonderful incentive to go looking for it!
Have a blessed weekend!
What a great idea - it's so easy to focus on the negative and be critical, when positive reinforcement is so much better all around. And it's pretty too!
I love this idea Rhonda. We need to do this or something like it. I have been noticing the same thing around our house.
I really love this idea, as I too find myself noticing the negative sometimes more than the positive! I know that God appreciates when we find the positive in things rather than dwelling on the negative, and so I have conviction on my heart at times.
This Random Acts of Kindness tree is such a positive and loving idea! I hope to implement one in my home soon too! God bless you, Julie
P.S. I found you through the Arkansas Bloggers, I live in Paragould about 23 miles north of Jonesboro.
Oh this is just the most darling idea!!!
Rhonda - I love this!!! What a wonderful idea. It could not be better or more wonderful!
I need to do this!
XOOX
Jen
What a great idea not only for your family, but for you too. It always works to look for the good in others!
Oh! I LOVE this!! What a wonderful idea. Thanks for stopping by Our Journey and checking out my latest project. I'm definitely adding your tree idea to my "to list"!!
what a great idea, and love to see the participation!! Very cute blog too, thanks for stopping by mine :)
This is a great idea. I love it. Thank you too, for visiting junkblossoms. We always enjoy company. Come back soon. Pat
What a wonderful idea!
I too struggle being positive with my family sometimes.
We too have unhooked the gaming system for a while!
This is a wonderful idea and I love that your kids are involved too.
This is absolutely darling!! Great idea and wonderful execution!! :)
Also, thanks for stopping by my blog and for your sweet comments! Take care!
What a sweet idea!
This mommy is guilty of sometimes being so focused on getting the to do list done that I become short with the people I love. Shame on me! Thanks for the reminder to focus on relationships first.
Chrissy
wwww.lowcountryreflections.blogspot.com
LOVE THIS my friend!!!
Thanks for linking it up to my party!!!
XOXO
Jen
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