It’s that time of year when our activities are coming to an end for the school year. As much as we love to see summer vacation rounding the bend, the kids are sad to have some of their favorite classes and co-ops coming to an end.

Kids Can Show Gratitude

One thing I think is valuable for my kids to practice is showing gratitude for the time others have invested in them. There are so many people who have been positive role models for us. Whether it’s science class or swim lessons, the time people have given to impart their knowledge to my kids really has helped make our homeschooling successful. I wish I could thank every single person and buy each one a luxury spa gift card. Since that isn’t realistic, I usually ask the kids to pick a few of their favorite teachers and write them a little note. Sometimes we stick a Tim Horton’s gift card in with it. This year I received a few cards and treats from my co-op students and it totally made my day.

Kind Words

It’s easy to get caught up with finishing our school year and not take the hour to sit down and write out our thank-you’s. I am guilty of that this year and thank you notes are on our list for next week. As I look back on the year, I know there are a few people to whom I’d like to express gratitude. If I could change one thing about being a homeschool mom I would figure out a way that moms could receive more credit for what they do every day. When you are working outside the home and you do a great job there is often some kind of recognition for that. You might get a bonus or a few of your co-workers might stop by your office and tell you how much they appreciate the effort you are putting into your job. One thing I loved about teaching at our co-op this year was the positive feed-back I got from other moms on how the class was going. In turn, I tried to make it a point to share some positive comments with the other teachers in our group. Just a few kind words might mean the world to another homeschool mom.

 We Can Do This

It might take a little energy but we can show gratitude. We can do this! We can encourage others by saying thank you and develop that gift in our kids at the same time.

 

Sarah Brutovski is a homeschool mom of three children. She grew up just down the street from where she and her husband are raising their family now in rural Upstate New York. When she is not teaching her kids, grocery shopping, or drinking coffee you might find  her training for a half marathon, escaping for a morning at the beach, or chatting on the phone with one of her four siblings. Sarah loves writing on her blog sarahswritingcafe.blogspot.com and currently teaches creative writing at her kids’ weekly co-op.