Skip to main content

One more thing to add to your fridge


At Christmas I received a card from one of Ryan's cousins. Inside the card was a 4x6" magnet with the title, "101 Ways to Praise A Child." It lists those 101 ways beginning with "Wow" and ending with "I Love You" with 99 more in the middle. In my mind, I thought, "What a wonderful gift to add to your holiday cards." Praise was a very important part of my growing up - my parents were heavy on the praise and I understand the value and impact of the special words parents can share with their children.

Then I read the card. This exact magnet had been on her fridge while her boys were growing up. Now that they were mostly grown, she decided to pass it on to me. Talk about "Wow!"

Let me add that this cousin and I have met just a few times at family reunions and funerals. It has only been through Facebook and this blog that we have developed a relationship. The support from her is wonderful. I feel like I have an extra cheerleader out there sending good thoughts and prayers my way.

The magnet will remain in our house, on the fridge, until our boys are mostly grown. Then I will pass it on to a mom who needs it as much as I do. I hope it will become a family tradition.

Everyday, the magnet has an impact on our family. It serves as a reminder to me to make sure I am praising our children. My husband refers to it to find new ways to praise them. 

Here are all 101 phrases. Feel free to make your own magnet or sign from this:

Wow * Way to go * Super * You're special * Outstanding * Excellent *
Great * Good * Neat * Well done * Remarkable * I knew you could do it *
I'm proud of you * Fantastic * Superstar * Nice work * Looking good *
You're on top of it * Beautiful * Now you're flying * You're catching on *
Now you've got it * You're incredible * Bravo * You're fantastic * Hurray for you *
You're on target * You're on your way * How nice * How smart * Good job *
That's incredible * Hot dog * Dynamite * What a blessing you are * You're unique *
How thoughtful * Good for you * Super work * You're a winner * Remarkable job *
Beautiful work * Spectacular * You're spectacular * You're so courteous *
You're precious * Great discovery * You've discovered the secret *
You figured it out * Fantastic job * Hip, Hip, Hurray * You're so obedient *
Magnificent * Marvelous * Terrific * You're important * Phenomenal *
You showed character * Super work * Creative job * Fantastic job *
Exceptional performance * You're a real trooper * I like you *
You are responsible * Good improvement * You learned it right *
What an imagination * What a good listener * Great idea * You're growing up
You tried hard * You care * Beautiful sharing * Outstanding performance *
You're a good friend * I trust you * You're important *You mean a lot to me *
You showed kindness * You belong * You've got a friend * You make me laugh *
You brighten my day * I respect you * You mean the world to me * That's correct *
You're a joy * You're a treasure * You're wonderful * Good thinking *
Awesome * A+ job * You're A-OK * You made my day * That's the best *
A big hug * Great spirit * I love you!
Labels:

Comments

  1. LeslieFebruary 3, 2010 at 8:53 AM

    This is cool Vanessa! Thank you!

    (and I love reading the blog... I feel like I'm sort of keeping up with you guys!)

    ReplyDelete
  2. MarieFebruary 3, 2010 at 9:32 PM

    That is awesome!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thank you for reading my post. I appreciate you taking the time to comment. If you wish to contact me directly, please let me know and I will email you.

Popular posts from this blog

How I Make Being a Mom and Volunteer Work at this Group Home

  In September, Ben celebrated three years living in a group home in Charlotte, North Carolina, with five other men. Ben lives 20 minutes from our house, and we see him several times a week for doctor's appointments, to drop off supplies, for group home events and sometimes because I just miss him. Ben occassionally sleeps over, and he often spends a weekend day hanging out on his favorite couch, watching videos at our house. This Easterseals PORT Health home is Ben's second placement. The first placement through another agency didn't work out, and he left after six months . We were wary of trying a new place, but it's worked out well. My husband, Ryan, and I have developed a partnership with ESPH. Over time, we've built mutual respect and trust with the residents and staff.  Here's what's worked for us: 1. Get involved with the group home. Ben lives with five other men in a six-bedroom house in Charlotte. On move-in day, Steven, one of the residents, made ...
4 comments
Read more

Gadgets & Gizmos - Part 6: Landeez Chair

We spent last week at the beach near Atlantic Beach in North Carolina. At Fort Macon Park , they have a special chair for people like Ben who may need extra help moving in the sand and water. The chair is made by Landeez . We were amazed by this chair. It did travel over the sand and in small amounts of water with ease. We bought an inexpensive strap to go around Ben's waist so he would not fall out.  I thought that Ben could go farther in the water sitting in the chair, but it does eventually float...away if in too deep of water. Ben got tired of sitting in it and wiggled his way under the strap. For the most part, it is a great invention and it made it easier for us to keep Ben safe on the beach. If he had been interested in a long walk on the beach, this would have worked great for him.
1 comment
Read more

Parenting an Adult Child with Disabilities: From Group Home Placement to Discharge

  Last August, we moved Ben into an alternative family living (AFL) placement, about 90 minutes from our home in Charlotte. It was a three-bedroom house and Ben was given the largest bedroom with its own bathroom.  A typical AFL in North Carolina operates like this: a person with disabilities, the client, moves in with another family, couple or an individual. The client lives in the family’s home and the family receives payment in return for housing, feeding and caring for the client.  Ben’s AFL was unusual: A couple with extensive caregiving experience wanted to run a three-bed group home but needed to apply for the license through the state. They were willing to take Ben as the first resident in a house, separate from the one they lived in. The plan, according to the couple, was to get approval for the group home within a couple of months.  We ordered Ben a double bed, headboard, 54-inch television, new sheets, towels and blankets. Friends helped us move him in....
3 comments
Read more