I grew up in a good home with great parents and 9 brothers and sisters. But despite all the love, it felt like we were in competition rather than on the same team. It didn’t feel like there were many kudos or celebrations of greatness. I felt like I had to keep every accomplishment under-estimated so as not to hurt another siblings feelings.
And it didn’t help that my dad’s idea of a compliment was “You don’t sweat much for a fat girl.”
I wanted a different environment in my home with my husband and kids. I wanted a place where we were excited for each other; where we celebrated successes; where we felt comfortable bragging to our family, and where we were each others’ biggest cheerleaders and support.
So I came up with the idea of Share Bear.
We pass around a stuffed bear on Family Night and when you get the bear you can either SHARE a talent, good news, or a compliment. Hence the name, SHARE BEAR.
Talent is sometimes Elle playing a song she learned in piano that week or Crew reading a story he wrote. Often it is Croft just dancing to random piano music. Last night it was Locke giving every one a kiss and us clapping afterward. This is a time for kids to share their interests with their family and have a stage to shine.
Good news is anything from “I aced my spelling test!” to “I got a sale today!” to “I nailed my blog post today!” to “I played with my best friend all day!” We get to brag to each other and celebrate successes.
Compliments are just that, compliments. Not back-handed ones or praise followed by criticism- just acknowledging each others’ strengths and improvements or saying thanks. Most of the compliments come from me or Chad at this point and we try to make sure that we compliment all the children at one time or another. I love to see my kids faces when we are praising them in front of everyone. I am hoping we get passed the “I want to compliment mom for a good dinner” phase and move into deeper more observant compliments from the children. But for now at least they are hearing what a real compliment sounds like, and they are getting comfortable giving and receiving them.
I like to think my family of origin has come a long way. Now we are proud of each others’ successes in music, business, academics, church and family. But I don’t want my kids to be in their 30s before they cheer each other on. Here’s to doing better when you know better!
![I spoke in church today and said the Atonement of Jesus Christ is the greatest act of Charity. I read Moroni 7:45-47 to make my point. But wherever there was the word ‘Charity’ I substituted it out for ‘the Atonement of Jesus Christ.’ See if these scripture verses now have new meaning for you:
“And the Atonement of Jesus Christ suffererth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth in the truth,
[The Atonement of Jesus Christ] beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not the Atonement of Jesus Christ, ye are nothing, for the Atonement of Jesus Christ never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail-
But the Atonement of Jesus Christ is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.”
So Easter really reminds us of love. The first and greatest commandment.](https://www.raisinglemons.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
With all the negativity in the world, it makes such a difference to be loved, appreciated, and applauded at home. I’m trying to create a more positive home and this is a wonderful way to help that along. Not only is it a reminder to give compliments, but also to let each child succeed and shine in a positive environment (in a way THEY have chosen). Too often today, we may hold back because we aren’t “the best” at something. Success is sharing our talents and gifts with others and them feeling the love and hard work we have put into it. Love your idea!
Cute idea. We have announcements where we can share, but not everyone does. It’s a good way to learn to talk about yourself and be proud.
Ouch!
Great idea!
I, also, just eat-up those little faces when they are being given a compliment on Family Night! Those are some of my favorite little expressions!
Double ouch! Mom, don’t worry- she meant this as a compliment. And dad- I know that was a compliment too. He’s right, I didn’t sweat much for a fat girl.
Love it! And I know my girls will too.
My kids do love Share Bear and I am sure yours will too. They show us cartwheels and play piano songs and tell me how much they loved dinner. It is a special time each Monday night and we never know what they will share. And if the bear is not handy we have used all kinds of objects to pass around.