10 Compliments Kids Need to Hear

Children look to adults for encouragement and compliments go a long way in giving kids the boost they need, especially during adolescent years.

1. Compliment their character.
We live in a world where integrity is neither consistently taught nor widely expected. When children and youth demonstrate honesty, kindness, trustworthiness and reliability, that’s a great time to take them aside and offer a sincere compliment.

2. Compliment obedience and respect.
It’s too easy to fall into patterns of disapproval, where the only time we notice is when kids do wrong. Rather than waiting for disobedience or disrespect (then coming down like a ton of bricks) try noticing obedience and respect: “You are an awesome young man, and I appreciate the way you are behaving”.


3. Compliment them for simply being part of the family and/or group.
“Every time I see you, I’m thankful that I’m your Mom.” Kids need to understand that they are valued simply because they are.


4. Compliment contributions
“Clearing the table (sweeping the porch… putting out the trash) makes a real difference. I appreciate your contribution.” Kids need to understand that what they do makes a difference, that the adults notice, and that pitching in is a good part of togetherness.


5. Compliment the quality of their work.
“Way to go!  I’m so glad you take this job so seriously, it shows.” Doing a job at a high standard is always worth noting.


6. Compliment the effort, even when the result is not the best.
“Your willingness to help makes me happy! Now we need to take a look at how you can get the trash to the curb without leaving a trail.” Compliments can be an important part of our role as role models and mentors.


7. Compliment when they achieve something new.
“Wow! That’s a huge leap forward for you there in math, pal.” “Awesome! I’m not at all surprised after you worked so hard.” A well-placed compliment can keep a positive ball rolling.


8. Compliment their sense of style even if we don’t exactly share their taste.
Encourage individuality. “When it comes to putting together an outfit, you certainly have some flair!” “I’ve never seen a table set quite like that before – you have an amazing imagination!” It’s not useful to limit compliments to the narrow range of our own taste.


9. Compliment steps toward a long-term goal.
“The improvement you’re showing is commendable. Thanks for trying.” Waiting for perfection before we’re willing to dish out a compliment is inefficient, may dampen enthusiasm, and does little to help the process of growth.

10. Compliment their friends.
But only do this when you can do it honestly! “Your friends are the greatest!” “That Jake is such a good kid.”

Kindness... Pass it on.

Today is Valentine's Day...Which automatically causes us to think of: chocolates, flowers, and sharing heartfelt expressions from, well...our hearts! 

But, did you also know that it is:  

Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Week?

Yep. And here at the Center for Children and Families, Inc. (CCFI) we are no strangers to kindness. We see it every day from every corner of our community. It is contagious and inspirational. It keeps our staff going and then, in turn, is passed on to the children, youth and families we serve. These benefits ripple out from the lives of individual women, men, girls, and boys to their families, their neighborhoods, the community... and ultimately, to the entire world. 

Each and every one of us has the ability to change the world by touching lives through acts of kindness. And when we see these acts or hear stories about the positive things others are doing, we become more aware of the opportunities we have to make a difference for the people around us. Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) week is an opportunity for each of us to reflect upon and stimulate even more kindness in our lives. So, whether it's at CCFI, in your home, workplace, neighborhood, or even at the grocery store we hope you will continue to pass it on. 

More about Random Act of Kindness Week »

Will you be my... Volunteer?

Here at the Center for Children and Families, Inc. (CCFI), we offer rewarding volunteer experiences for people of all ages who want to make a difference in 2012!

As a leading resource for families in Norman and surrounding areas, we depend on our strong volunteer network to help mentor youth, staff therapeutic play groups, help with daily administrative tasks, and more. Fortunately for our services at CCFI, a popular New Year’s resolution for many is to focus on others and make time in the new year to volunteer.

As 2012 unfolds we expect to see an increase of children and families in need of the support and tools our programs offer. Serving roughly 2,000 members of the community during 2011 - nearly 300 more than the previous year - the need for more volunteers remains a primary concern for CCFI.

Volunteers support everything we do in our efforts to heal children, empower youth, and strengthen families. We want to thank the hundreds of individuals who help shape our work in a variety of ways every day, and encourage others to join them in impacting the lives of children and youth in our community.

In 2011, 435 volunteers gave a combined 8,000 hours of their time to our mission. Without volunteers, many of the services we provide would not be viable. With 250 children and youth served each week in our Neighborhood Centers after-school programs, volunteers are crucial for making sure that the children and youth have a safe, enriching environment with positive, adult mentors during their out-of-school time.

Neighborhood Centers

Applying to volunteer at CCFI is fast and simple- sign up online here

No matter if it’s an hour, day, week or year-long commitment, we are interested in providing meaningful opportunities for those who want to make a difference in the lives of others.  Potential volunteers and all community members and groups are also invited to tour the agency during one of our regularly scheduled monthly tours.  For more information or tour dates visit www.ccfinorman.org.