In addition to featuring Girls on the Run coaching opportunities, self-esteem building activities for girls, and stories about youth development through running, the Compliment Corner section of the GOTR blog highlights the value of giving compliments that come from the heart and aren’t centered on appearance. In this blog, we spotlight four fun, interactive ways to embrace this practice at home and make giving compliments an enjoyable, sustainable, and memorable part of your family’s summer—and beyond!
For many families, summer break arrives like a breath of fresh air. With the pause on jam-packed schedules, early alarms, and homework routines, this season frequently offers space to slow down and focus on what matters most: fostering bonds with one another. Giving compliments is a meaningful way to deepen connections and sprinkle good vibes throughout the household. The good news is that there are creative ways to do it without anyone feeling forced or awkward!
We have four simple activities that make giving compliments enjoyable and interactive, strengthen family ties, and spark a new tradition everyone can look forward to.
Summer is the perfect time to introduce a compliment activity into your home as it can boost kids’ confidence heading into the new school year. In a culture that often zooms in on imperfections, appearances, or what needs fixing, intentionally recognizing what matters helps create a positive atmosphere at home where family members feel empowered to be themselves. Giving compliments teaches children (and reminds adults) to notice the strengths in others and to use their voice in celebrating such qualities. Doing so cultivates empathy, gratitude, and emotional intelligence—all skills that will enrich their lives for years. When giving compliments becomes a shared practice, everyone feels more seen, valued, and loved for who they are inside. By adding one of these activities to your summer, you will be doing more than spreading kindness inside the home—you’re shaping how your kids see and treat themselves and others.
Compliment Board
Like our fan-favorite Gratitude Board Activity, start your compliment board by choosing a poster board, dry-erase board, blackboard, or any other board that works for your space. Select a location in your home that family members often frequent. Then, based on your board type, position markers, sticky notes, note cards, or push pins nearby. Once the board is posted, explain its purpose and the impact of giving compliments from the heart. We highly recommend leading by example and popping initial compliments on the board to ignite warm, fuzzy feelings from the get-go!
Assure your family that there are no rules and that the messages can be as simple or detailed as they wish. Such examples include sharing attributes they admire in a caregiver, growth they recently noticed in a sibling, or instances in which they felt inspired by a grandparent.
Compliment Jar
If you have limited wall space but still want to jot down compliments in a hands-on, colorful, and interactive way, this option is perfect for you! To get started, select a jar for each family member. We’ll give you bonus points if you decorate them or inspire your family to do so! Next, pick a location to host the jars, note cards, and writing utensils. Be sure to place them in an area that receives heavy traffic but isn’t at risk of getting bumped or breaking!
Once the jars are positioned, gleaming, and ready to be filled with love, encourage your family members to drop in random compliments for one another throughout the week. Finally, select a specific day of the week to read the compliments aloud. You can even make a game of it by guessing who wrote which compliment!
Dinner Table Compliment Circle
A dinner table compliment circle elevates the experience of sharing a meal through the power of words. During dinner (or any seated time together—car or bus rides count), take a few moments to go around the group and share compliments. Take the lead with the activity by identifying a prompt for the meal (or ride), such as “What I love about you” or “A moment you made me smile this week.” Narrowing down the options can help quieter family members feel better equipped to speak up. Assure everyone, though, that they can freely deviate from the prompt and share compliments in any way their heart desires!
This interpersonal activity encourages active listening and gratitude and reaffirms the importance of spending time and embracing the moment as a family. Another way to keep these conversations fresh and meaningful includes selecting different topics or themes based on days of the week, meal type, or cuisine!
Compliment Paper Chain
If your family has an affinity for getting crafty, this activity will keep their attention and boost the household’s confidence all summer long. To create a compliment paper chain, you’ll need colored construction paper, scissors, writing utensils, and tape, glue, or a stapler. After collecting your chain materials, cut strips of paper about one inch wide and eight inches long. Next, look at the calendar and select a time that works for everyone to sit down and begin writing the first few compliment chain links. Once your family jots down a compliment on a strip, form it into a loop, and secure the ends with tape, glue, or a stapler. Continue adding new loops by threading each strip through the previous one to build a growing chain of kindness.
Hang your compliment chain in a visible spot like the kitchen, hallway, or family room so everyone can enjoy and add to it. Don’t worry about creating a large chain at the beginning. You will want this chain to grow over time, so it’s wise to leave space for the future—especially when you see a loved one in need of a mood-lifter! Over time, the chain will become a beautiful visual reminder of the love and encouragement that thrives throughout your home.
Did you enjoy this Compliment Corner content? Check out this blog on how to receive compliments with confidence!
