Did You Know?
Families who give sincere compliments and practice positive communication see measurable benefits:
- Children and teens are more likely to repeat good behaviors.
- Emotional bonds between family members grow stronger.
- Daily praise and calm responses reduce stress for both parents and children.
Strengthening Families Lesson #2: Building Bonds Through Praise and Calm
Families participating in the Strengthening Families Program (SFP) met again this week at First United Methodist Church in Winnfield for their second session, a lesson centered on the power of positive communication, compliments, and calmness in strengthening family relationships.
The SFP, facilitated by Winn Community Health Center and funded through a grant from The Rapides Foundation, brings parents, teens, and children together each week to build skills that nurture emotional well-being and family connection.
Deposits That Build Relationships
This week’s lesson introduced the concept of an “Emotional Bank Account.” Just like a savings account, every interaction makes a deposit or a withdrawal. Sincere compliments, kind words, and positive attention are deposits that build love and trust, while criticism and harsh words act as withdrawals that drain emotional security.
Families learned that keeping a healthy balance means offering at least four positive comments for every correction. When parents, teens, or children take time to notice the good in one another, it strengthens connection and makes everyone more willing to cooperate.
Participants practiced giving Reinforcing Compliments, praises that are specific, sincere, and describe why the behavior was helpful. A kind tone, smile, or gentle touch can make the message even more meaningful. Families were encouraged to use these compliments at home daily to boost confidence and happiness in every family member.
Replacing Criticism with Calm
Just as deposits strengthen relationships, criticism weakens them. Families discussed how frequent criticism, even when meant to help, can leave others feeling discouraged or unloved. Instead, the group practiced how to ignore minor annoying behaviors, a technique that often leads those behaviors to fade away when they no longer receive attention.
To help parents and kids manage their own frustration in the moment, coaches introduced Instant Stress Busters, quick ways to stay calm and centered. These included deep breathing, counting slowly before responding, or taking a brief moment to relax before speaking. Staying calm not only prevents conflict but models emotional control for children and teens.
“Looking for and daily complimenting the good in family members helps me like them more — and helps them behave better.”
— SFP Lesson 2 Power Statement
Learning Together as a Family
While parents, teens, and children met separately for part of the evening, each class focused on the same ideas: look for the good, speak with kindness, and stay calm under stress. Children learned these lessons through games and stories; teens practiced through discussion and role play; and parents applied them to real-life challenges at home.
During the Family Practice Session, everyone came together to share compliments, and participate in some role play scenarios. The room filled with laughter as families practiced expressing appreciation in ways that felt genuine and warm.
A Continuing Journey of Connection
By the end of Lesson #2, families left with a clear message: relationships grow stronger when we focus on what’s going right. Praise, patience, and calm communication can transform how families interact day-to-day.
Weekly SFP sessions continue through mid-December at First United Methodist Church in Winnfield.
The Strengthening Families Program is coordinated by Winn Community Health Center and funded through a grant from The Rapides Foundation.
For more information, contact Shonna Moss at 318-628-0169.
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