All of us need a bit of encouragement, especially in the more stressful seasons of the year - like Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.  Unfortunately, our homes - the place we most need others cheering us on - can easily digress into a place filled with negativity.  Of course, none of us mean to be mean.  Its just that we all have a touch of Ameican Idol's Simon hidden deep within.  Or maybe not so hidden.  Human nature often drags us down hill into a pattern of sarcasm, criticism and "not nice to be around" attitudes.  So we need to be intentional about helping our famlies push past natural negativity in order to create an environment of encouragement.  We recently used this simple family night activity as a reminder...  

Place an egg, a glass or jar of water, and a large bowl of salt before each of your children at the table.  Tell them that they are going to try to make the egg float in the water.  First, put the egg in the water and tell everyone to yell at it.  Use shaming phrases such as "Float, you dumb egg!  Are you so lazy that you can't even float to the top of the water?" or "What are you, an egg or a mouse?"  Make the point that it does no good to treat the egg with disrespect or use cutting remarks.  Instead, try encouragement.  One at a time, each child can stir spoonfuls of salt into the water while the other family members take turns saying encouraging or complimentary things about that child.  Keep it up until the egg begins to float in the water.  When everyone has successfully floated his egg (and been affirmed by the family) read Hebrews 10:24-25 together and discuss how treating others with respect and encouragement helps them do better, while disrespect and criticism can cause their hearts to sink.  (Note:  It takes a lot of salt to make this activity work, so be certain to have enough on hand.  It would also be wise for parents to try it without the kids first to know what to expect.) 

For more ways to incorporate faith into your home, check out the Just Add Family kit offering a year's worth of mealtime, bedtime, family night, holiday and special occassion ideas.  (Sets are available at the campus HomePointe Center or in the resource section of www.homepointe.org)