Cultivate connection, kindness and self-belief
One of the things I love most about my work is sharing simple, practical ways to build confidence, empathy, kindness, and appreciation—whether at home or in the classroom. When we create regular opportunities to express what we love and admire about each other, we help build self-esteem, strengthen relationships, and foster a sense of belonging.
I want to share an activity that I’ve used with my own family and in group settings, and is a beautiful way to build connections. “What I Love About You” is an easy, meaningful way to help children (and adults!) feel valued, seen, and appreciated. You can do it as a family, with friends, or in a classroom— for all ages.
Why This Matters
Feeling seen and valued is a game-changer. When we hear what others appreciate about us, it shifts our perspective and helps us recognize strengths we might not see in ourselves. For kids and teens especially, this kind of affirmation builds self-esteem, confidence, and emotional resilience.
Sharing what you love, admire and appreciate in others also fills our own hearts, helping us look for and notice the best in others.
Pick Your Prompts – Choose one (or all!) of these:
What I love about you…
What I admire about you…
What I appreciate about you…
Write It Down – Jot down your message on any piece of paper. Feeling crafty? Cut out heart-shaped notes for extra fun!
Share the Love – Deliver your notes in a way that feels meaningful:
Hand them over in person.
Stick a note on someone’s mirror for a surprise pick-me-up (this works wonders for teens!).
Slip one under a pillow so they go to sleep feeling loved.
Hide a note in a lunchbox or schoolbag.
If you’re doing this in a classroom, turn it into a group activity where everyone writes something kind for each other. You’ll be amazed at how it lifts the energy in the room!
Alternative for Younger Children
For little ones who aren’t writing yet, you can adapt this activity in a fun and interactive way! Try this:
Verbal Appreciation – Sit together and take turns saying something kind about each other. You can prompt them with, "What do you love about [name]?" or "What makes [name] special?"
Drawing Appreciation – Instead of writing, have them draw a picture of what they love about a friend or family member.
Heart Sharing – Cut out paper hearts and let them decorate them with stickers or colours, then tell them to give the heart to someone special.
Making it hands-on keeps it engaging for young kids and helps them learn the joy of giving and receiving kindness! This activity is simple, but the impact is huge. You can do it one-on-one, in a group, or even as a little surprise for someone special.
The Ripple Effect
This isn’t just a one-time feel-good activity—it’s something that, when practiced regularly, can truly change the way we connect with others. When we make appreciation a habit, we create stronger relationships, more kindness, and a whole lot of positivity in our daily lives.
Download the activity sheet below
