To start out, here's a quiz from Charles Schultz:
- Who are the last 5 winners of the Miss America pageant?
- Who are the 5 most wealthy people in the USA?
- Who are 10 Nobel prize recipients?
- Who are 5 Academy Award winners for best actor or actress?
- Who are the last 5 Heisman trophy winners?
How'd the quiz go?
We don't recall the headliners of yesterday. And these are the most incredible people in their fields. However, the applause soon dies. Trophies fade. Achievements, even great and incredible achievements are put out of our minds. Accolade and certificates are buried with they who possess them.
Try this quiz out:
1) Name some teachers or coaches who gave you advice and encouragement which assisted you in your journey through school.
2) Name 4 friends who have helped you get through a hard time in your life.
3) List five people who have taught you a valuable lesson.
4) List a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5) Name ten people that you like to spend time with.
6) Name five heroes whose lives have inspired you.
Easier? What's the lesson here? The people who make a difference in your life are not those who have the most credentials, the most money, or a living room full of awards.
They are the ones that care. - C. Schultz
The Caring Quiz The following quiz was written by Emily Bouchard. I know that it will help you as you attempt to apply what Charles Schultz just taught you:
- What are 2 things you've done lately to show your spouse that you love and appreciate him/her.
- Recall the favorite colors of everybody who resides in your home.
- List 2 things (minimum) that all of the children in your home have done in the last 24 hours that is positive.
- List 5 ways you have proved your love for your family.
- List 10 people or things that you are thankful for right now.
- Name 5 good qualities that you bring to your family.
How did this quiz go? Did you find out anything about yourself?
Those who had a very tough time coming up with answers may want to contemplate an "attitude adjustment".
Action Step
Share this quiz with your partner and explore your responses with each other. Use this to jump-start a conversation about how each of you shows the other that they care - for each other and for the children. Observe with both of you the influence you are making on the lives of the children you are raising together. Do your children feel appreciated and loved? Are they seeking you out for counsel and support? Support each other and create an environment where your children feel relaxed at content in your presence.
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Emily Bouchard, has more than 18 years of experience in dealing with children and
families to deal with adversity. She has a Master's Degree in Social Work and a Bachelor's degree in Child Development. She publishes a free
Blended Families newsletter.