We have a tradition at our house that I'll bet a lot of you share. We have a "Special Plate" that is given to an individual on days like a birthday, or Father's Day, or a graduation. We keep this plate right in with the stack of regular plates towards the bottom, so it's ready at a moment's notice to be called into duty.
Our Special Plate is not only ready to serve on birthdays and holidays, but it gets set out for less formal occasions as well.
Did you get a ribbon at school for an art project? Yes, the Special Plate is well deserved.
When someone is an extra good helper, that person may get the Plate.
When somebody comes home from college, or gets an "A", or reaches a goal, or just needs a little bit of recognition, the Special Plate is a simple way to celebrate that person.
I've often given myself the Special Plate for all my hard work and dedication to this little operation. Hey, you gotta look out for yourself. Credit to whom credit is due, I say.
Do you have a way to express appreciation to individuals in your family? If you don't have a Special Plate, how about using a special place mat, or placing a bud vase at that person's spot at the table? I think a special chocolate on a pillow might do the trick as well. I'm sure there are many ways to do it.
Today's Small Thing is to recognize the contributions of at least one individual in your family. It can be for something as simple as "Being Extra Sweet Lately," or "Putting Away Your Things Without Being Asked." If you use a Special Plate often enough, everyone will know that they will eventually get it and you shouldn't have too much pouting by the non-recipients, depending on their age. But be careful, using it TOO often makes it lose its powerful mystique.
Maybe Fridays are a pizza night or you aren't going to be sitting down to a meal together tonight. Plan on doing something special the next time you eat at the table, or whenever you are all together.
POINTS: 40 for giving a "round of applause" to a family member who could use a little boost!
