While my daughters were at school yesterday morning, I found out something that I knew would be disappointing to my nine-year-old. It was a minor issue, but I felt she might need a bit of cheering up when she arrived home.
Thankfully I had a few small items hidden away for such an occasion. Rather than just giving her something, I decided that a treasure hunt was in order. I made up four clues, wrote them on 3×5 cards and placed them strategically around the house. I also attached a treat to each of the clue cards (i.e. a piece of gum, a new pen). The gift was in the final location.
It wasn’t a big deal, didn’t take a lot of time nor did it cost much money. In fact, I probably had as much fun putting it together as she did finding the prize.
We all have days when a dose of encouragement is needed. Often just a small thoughtfulness can brighten a family member’s day. I’m planning to have a designated place (out of view!) where I can keep little gifts to use – not only for my children, but for my husband as well!
Do you have a special way to encourage a loved one who’s had a rough day? I’d enjoy hearing about it!
Find more tips and helpful ideas at Works for Me Wednesday hosted by We Are THAT Family.
I was just thinking this morning, I need to be more intentional about encouraging my family. Thanks for getting my brain going in the right direction 🙂
OOh! That sounds like a lot of fun! My daughter is still too young for this, but I'll have to put this idea in the "mommy file".
My children love treasure hunts too! I purchased a very inexpensive paper mache treasure box online that is always what they find with a little surprise inside. How thoughtful of you to do that for your daughter…I bet she was tickled!
One thing I like to do also is leave little notes. I'll either leave them around the house or if it's for someone outside our family, I'll try to take the time to write and mail one. Games of all sorts are fun pick-me-ups too!
Always good to think about more ways to encourage others! Thanks for the inspiration!
My boys like treasure hunts, too. I often hide their birthday presents and send them on a treasure hunt to find them.
Now that they are getting older, I can invite them to go on a bike ride with me, or play soccer in the yard with them. Sometimes just doing something with them that they enjoy is enough to encourage pick up their spirits.
What a blessing! 😀 I have done treasure hunts for CHRISTmas gifts, but hadn't thought about just for fun. What was the gift at the end? 😀