Strengths Spotting Family Activity

Paper for writing strengths

Pens or markers

A large poster for the family strengths display

Give everyone paper and a pen: "Write down 3 strengths for every family member, including yourself."

Strengths can be skills, character traits, or roles: "Great cook," "Always fair," "Makes everyone laugh."

Go around the circle. One person at a time is the focus. Everyone shares the strengths they identified for that person.

The person in the spotlight just listens and says "Thank you." No deflecting.

After everyone has been spotlighted, compare notes: "Did you see yourself the way others see you?"

Discuss contribution: "Your patience helps when we're stressed. Your humor lightens hard moments."

Create a family strengths poster. Each person's name with their identified strengths underneath.

Model depth: "You're really good at noticing when someone is having a bad day" is more impactful than "You're nice."

Include strengths your child might undervalue: "You're really persistent" matters even if they don't see it.

If a child writes negative things about themselves, gently redirect: "I want you to find 3 genuine strengths."

Update the poster quarterly. New strengths emerge as people grow.