“I’m Thankful for You”

Mark Twain said a good compliment could carry him for two months. Likewise, family members can lift one another with a list of compliments in the “I’m Thankful for You” activity. Here’s how you play:

1. Sit in a circle. Give each family member a sheet of paper and have them write across the top: I am thankful that ____________. Mom or Dad can help those who are unable to write.

2. Ask family members to write their names on the line and pass the sheet of paper to their left. Then everyone should finish the sentence by writing at the bottom of the paper one good quality about that family member. One could write, “I am thankful that Sarah helps me with my homework” or “is so thoughtful.” Other compliments could be “I am thankful that Dad tickles me when I am sad,” “helps me,” or “trusts me.”

3. After all have written the quality they are thankful for, have them fold the paper up a line or two, covering the words just written, and pass it to the left.

4. Pass the sheet to the left until all have written what they are thankful for on each piece of paper. If the family is small, the papers can go around twice.

5. When you have finished rotating the papers, the person to the right of the family member named at the top of the sheet reads the list of compliments.

This activity is simple and inexpensive, but the words are priceless. Our family participates in this about once a year to remember how grateful we are for each other.—Marlene Ellingson, Southern Estates Ward, Mesa Arizona Kimball Stake

Illustrated by Beth M. Whittaker