The FAMILY FUN Box Mini-Tool for RESPECT

The FAMILY FUN Box: We all need to feel like we belong somewhere and that we are important to others. The FAMILY FUN box helps parents create that sense of belonging. It gives every member a voice and makes them feel respected. Have everyone write down their ideas for FAMILY FUN on the idea cards and put them into the box. You can write it for the little ones or they can draw their own pictures. 
 
On Friday night, someone picks out one idea and announces which activity the family will enjoy together over that weekend. Everyone must participate, even if it’s a tea party with bears or building Legos. Now you have a simple, but powerful, way to connect and make everyone believe he or she is an important, respected, and valued member of the family. 
 
Use this opportunity to talk about the simple concept of respect. Explain how we are each individuals with different interests, different opinions, different likes/dislikes, and especially, different ways of looking at life. Even having fun isn’t something everyone in a family can agree upon. Respect is about acknowledging and embracing those differences.