I know you are probably asking right now, “Mimi, what on earth are you talking about?” Well, follow along as I roll “Compliment Cash – For Kids!”… which is my new fun idea to:
- Keep in touch with the grandchildren (whether you live close or far away)
- Praise their accomplishments (big or small)
- Continue “snail mail” fun…as I always say….kids LOVE getting mail!
I consider myself very lucky in that our grandchildren all live close! However, I still love to send goodies and such to the grandkids via “snail mail.” Even though we are in a very “tech-savvy” era, I can attest to the fact that there is pure glee on those kids’ faces when they receive mail…in the old fashioned mailbox! So this, my fellow “grand” friends, can be fun regarless of how close you live to your grands.
Compliment Cash – For Kids!
As we know, kids need a lot of praise on a daily basis. In fact, I am a huge Dr. Phil fan, and one of my favorite sayings of his is, “It takes a thousand attaboys to erase one negative.” Kids NEED positive reinforcement! Those parents and teachers out there are doing a great job of this, as they are with them daily, but why not add more praises from the grandparents?
I’m not saying a simple stated compliment isn’t good enough….or that the child needs to receive something every…single…time they do something good. However, how fun is it to raise the bar once in awhile and give them some real “shout outs.” Put a little pep in their step when they are recognized for something. Here are some examples of accomplishments you may want to applaud ~
- Received a good test grade
- Reached a goal they had set
- Finished a book they’ve been working extra hard on
- You noticed them going out of their way to be kind
- They helped out around the house without being asked
- Accomplished some great feat in their extra-curricular activities
- Faced a fear
- Donated their gently used toys/clothes
- Showed special kindness to a sibling
The sky is the limit…these are just some ideas. I am sure that within each family, you may have some other great accomplishment ideas for your grandchilren and the activities they are interested in.
How It Works ~
First of all, stock up on some envelopes and stamps. Maybe even some fun stickers to make the mail look more exciting to the kiddos! Next, tune your ears into what those kiddos are doing and what they are accomplishing! You may actually witness something yourself, or it can be something that their parents shared with you.
Print out several pages of the “Compliment Cash” and cut out the individual bills with point designations. Decide how many points you feel each accomplishment is worth. There is no set worth for each good deed. Basically you need to decide how quickly you want them to reach their goal. You may want it to go quickly to keep them enticed or perhaps you want to draw it out a little bit to add some anticipation.
Write a little note and attach the points (cash) they have earned. Stuff the note and bills in the envelope, address it, stamp it….add some fun stickers and send that baby on its way. Next stop…..your grandchild runs to the mailbox and is delighted to see they received mail and it’s full of all the good feels!
Free Compliment Cash Downloads ~
Free Compliment Cash Direction Printout
The Note ~
The note you send can be as simple as a piece of plain paper that says, “I’m so poud of you for getting an A on your Math test.” Maybe you have a bunch of blank note cards that can be used to write how proud you are inside. Another idea is to use a piece of card stock, cut it into shapes with decorative scissors, attach a few stickers and then write how proud you are! Seriously, there is a plethora of ways you can get the message across. Just write their name, what you are proud of them for and insert “cash” with the points they have earned.
You will want to stock up on lots of alphabet stickers. This pack from Create 365 should last a long time! I use these on both the cards and the envelopes. The kiddos get even more excited if they open up the mailbox to discover a personalized letter!
Links ~
Below are some links for easy access to supplies listed above!
DISCLOSURE: This site contains product affiliate links for Amazon and other companies. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links. Thank you for supporting my small business!
A Cherry On Top is one of my favorite go to’s for all my crafting needs. Here is just a very small sample of some of their amazing stickers ~
Paper House is another one of my favorite go to's for stationery, puzzles, planners scrapbooking and more...check them out in link below:
Of course, Amazon always come through as well...
Add Personalization ~
Do you need you Compliment Cash to say different names besides Mimi & Pappy....just let me know! I can change the names and send you your own personal set! I'd love to hear how this fun project works out for you...let me know in the comments below!
P.S. Here are some other fun posts on how to keep the connection alive with your grandkids ~
Grandparenting from a Distance!
Sleepover & Spa Day with the Grandkids
Happy Grandparenting ~
Mimi
This post may contain affiliate links which means I receive a small commission at no cost to you if you make a purchase.
I absolutely LOVE THIS Shelly ! I did something similar for my kiddos I care for over the Summer . Except I used charts … and it was a weekly reward .
All kids need 3 things
LOVE
CONSISTENCY
RECOGNITION for doing good
Thank you Lynn! I love the idea of doing charts too…as you said…any way to show the littles love, consistency and recognition for doing good!!
I love this idea for my boys! We did a point system and if you got enough points you got to do something fun on the weekend! I will have to use your ideas! Thanks for sharing!
So glad you love this fun way to acknowledge kiddo’s accomplishments! I would love to hear how your boys enjoy it!
This is such a charming idea for grandparents! There’s sure to be lots of happy little ones eager to check the mailbox soon!
Thank you…I really do believe it is such a fun way for grandparents to show extra love to the grandkids!
Fantastic! I want everyone to know this works!! When I was director of the child care center, we used to do this starting with the two year olds who were toilet training. The preschoolers loved this as well. I hope this post reaches as many parents as possible. It’s way better than a sticker chart!
This is cool idea, I will share it with the family to do with kids as it helps their productivity and not be lazy haha. Thanks for sharing.