Looking ahead to the future? Get your kids dreaming big! They’re going places! Where do they want to go? What do they want out of life? What do you want for them? A Wish Jar can get everyone thinking and planning for what adventures lie ahead.
What you’ll need:
- a clean empty jar with a wide mouth and a lid
- small strips or squares of paper (various colors) and pen
- scissors and glue
- items to decorate the jar (paper, stickers, paint, markers, glitter, ribbon, fabric, etc.)
Directions:
Start with the lid. It needs to be functional, but also look good! Use glue to cover it with fabric or ribbon or apply several coats of paint.
If your wish jar has a theme, like Graduation Wishes or Birthday Wishes, cap your jar with a mini mortarboard (circle the lid with sturdy paper and top it with a tasseled square) or birthday hat (affix a decorated cone over the lid).
If you’re reusing a jar, remove any labels and make your own label for the jar. You can use permanent markers or paint to write directly on the jar or create a label that wraps around it. Or you can make a tag that you tie around the jar neck.
To fill your jar, have small strips or squares of paper to make wishes, share happy thoughts, words of wisdom or ideas for the future. Fold or roll the paper and put it in the jar. When your child needs encouragement, ideas, or a reminder to dream big, head to the Wish Jar!
You can also use your Wish Jar to:
- Give your kids real-world experiences. Fill your Wish Jar with ideas for trips and outings—to museums, parks, concerts, plays, sporting events, factory tours, and more! Let everyone contribute ideas and write them down on slips of paper that go into the jar. Make it a point to regularly set aside time to choose an outing from the jar and get on your way!
- Have family and friends share their wishes for success and a bright future at a graduation or birthday celebration. Set up a special table at your event with your jar, colored paper strips to match your party decorations, and plenty of pens. Include a sign that invites guests to leave their well wishes and advice for your celebrant.
- Help your child keep track of wishes and dreams. Some things seem more possible when you write them down. Filling a Wish Jar can help your child focus on developing new interests, trying new things, and going new places. Encourage your child to open the jar periodically and review the wishes—especially when he or she needs someun-slumping.
