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.
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!
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.
Habits for a Happy Home 
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
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” 🙂
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!
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.
Cassandra I’d be honored!
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