I just adore my children. I enjoy being around them, watching their interactions with one another, observing their attempts to try new things or develop their talents. I realize because I have so many kiddos that sometimes they can feel lost in the shuffle or overlooked. I try to take a different child with me when I go shopping in town so we can have that one on one time with each other. Since we started swathing hay on last Monday my week was full of driving kids out to the swather so they could have a turn riding with Dad and spending time with him.
On Mother’s Day I suddenly had a ‘light bulb’ moment. The day had been spent with the children and Mr. Ferrero Rocher cooking my favorite meals, letting me nap, watching the movie of my choice, etc. Truffle made the comment that this day had been all about me and it wasn’t even my birthday. I decided I’d create “You Are Special Days” as part of our Cool Summer Days calendar and create a day for each child that’s all about them. They all filled out questionnaires (pictured below) that I will use in planning their special day. All the meals will be their favorite foods (they even get to eat off our”You Are Special” plate), we will do their activities of choice, and celebrate who they are just because. The girls are extremely excited. And so am I. They don’t know when their day will come which makes the anticipation almost unbearable for the littler ones.
(Click on the questionnaire to enlarge and print)I’ve also learned a few new things about my children. Just when I think I have all their favorite colors, animals, and hobbies memorized they change their tastes and develop new interests. I’m looking forward to our first “You Are Special Day”. I have a feeling there is a new tradition in the making.
EXCELLENT idea! Tony and I decided just last night that we will be having a “Sister’s Day” in July and a “Brother’s Day” in August for the very same reason!! I love the questionnaire and the special plate…
This is such a great idea! We grew up with a red plate from Hallmark and my parents got us a blue one as a wedding gift. I just love this idea- hope you won’t mind if we steal it 🙂
We have the same red plate. I need to put it to use more often. I think the Special Day for each child sounds wonderful. My kids were asking when there would be a “kids day”. We told them everyday is “kids day”. They are always getting pampered. I really like the idea of devoting a day just to them.
Sounds like fun! As one of 6 kids, there were definitely times I felt lost in the shuffle. I like the plate idea, it reminds me of some friends of ours who have a special Birthday Plate for the person whose birthday it is.
With just 2 of my own, we don’t really have a need to do this per se. But we did find that alternating days helped settle some disputes. On J’s day, he got to have first pick of which plate (Spiderman) at dinner, got to sit by mom at dinner, and got to be the first to read during scripture time. The next day would be T’s day. If there was ever a dispute, all I had to do was ask “Whose day is it?”
You have the best ideas – my kids will love this!
Growing up, my mom always made us our favorite dinner on our birthday and we received a day off from chores.
Just this morning, my six year old daughter asked, “Why don’t kids get a special day like mother’s day or father’s day?”
This is a great idea! One we will be implementing. Thanks!
This is such a great idea. I love that each child gets a day to feel special. By the way, you live in such a beautiful place. I love seeing the outdoor shots.
We have a plate too! I just haven’t used it lately. We love FHE Family nights with it, when one person is highlighted and we make their favorite dinner. Each person tells a couple of great things about them. It has been a while since we have done this! Thanks for inspiring!
Having grown up in a family of 9 kids, I understand first hand how important it is to celebrate each child.
I love this idea you have created. I should do this with my two kids before our next one arrives in 4 weeks!
That is so cool! We have a birthday plate!
P.S How did you get such cute pictures of all my adorable little cousins?!
I have a thing for fonts. I am wondering what font you used on your questionnaire? Thank you for sharing such great ideas.
Fabulous idea…everyone should be special for a day 🙂
What a great idea! I’m doing this with my kids this summer!
Such a great idea. My husband has a brother who passed away when he was 34. This brother was such a kid at heart that we decided to celebrate him on his birthday by making it “Kids day”. We do all the things the kids want and never say “no” (well…not never…but as little as possible). And we always make sure to ride a carousel since that was one of this brother’s favorite things to do with his kids. Kid’s Day is actually next week and I am really excited to celebrate with/for my kids.
We have the same plate, 2 in fact. One plate for each of our girls so that someday those plates will find their way to their homes. We purchased the plates in Germany where they are made. Currently they only get used on birthdays. Now we’ll have to pull them out more often; love your idea.