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No matter how long we've been homeschooling, we are curious about how other homeschoolers do things. And homeschoolers who are newer to the game obviously have lots of questions! This series will try to answers some of the questions homeschoolers ask each other. Questions about how we handle some of the little details and about our opinions on different aspects of homeschooling. Questions that we all might answer differently because what works great in one family might not work at all in another.
It's Teacher Appreciation Week! Do homeschool moms get any appreciation?
Moms, I wish I had better news for you, but I think you'd better not count too heavily on getting a lot of teacher appreciation this week. Or any week.
Now, don't get me wrong - what you do IS appreciated! And of course, we don't choose to homeschool because of the awards and recognition and awesome salary package. We homeschool because of our conviction that it's the right choice for our families. As homeschooling parents, we can have the satisfaction and assurance that we are doing our job the best way we know how. But it would be nice to get a little trophy or something, wouldn't it? Just a card. Something.
Not every homeschool mom has the full support and encouragement of extended family. Sadly, not every homeschooled kid is particularly appreciative of mom's effort as a teacher either. Or perhaps it's more correct to say that the students are not always likely to express their appreciation, especially as they get older. Some kids do, and I hope you're one of the lucky moms who will be getting some extra love on Mother's Day and who receives words or notes or other expressions of thanks for all you do as a homeschool mom! If you're not one of those moms, let me pass on some encouragement to you. Your kids DO appreciate you. Yes, they do, even if they don't say so, and even if they don't realize it right now.
In my world, my kids have said very little, so I have had to 'read between the lines' to get the idea that they appreciated me as a teacher. And in all fairness, I am pretty sure they don't even know Teacher Appreciation Week exists. After all, it's also the week before Mother's Day (and they do know Mother's Day exists!) which is really low-key in our family. Honestly, I usually don't see Teacher Appreciation Week coming, so I haven't set an example of gifts or cards of appreciation for their other teachers. In fact, most years I have quietly purchased a little gift for myself or treated myself to an evening out and thanked my family because I considered that my teacher gift. Don't knock it!! If your kids went to school anywhere but home, who would be choosing a gift for the teacher? Probably you. So get yourself a little treat. That way it will definitely be something you really want.
I do have a suggestion for Teacher Appreciation, and I am planning to follow my own advice. If your children are part of a co-op, do something to express your appreciation for their tutors. Most co-op teachers are unpaid, because they are fellow homeschool moms pooling their knowledge and resources. The co-op that we are participating in does have paid high school teachers, but the tuition they charge is a bargain. I appreciate their investment in my kid, and I need to say thank you.
Just over a week ago, during a discussion about our summer vacation plans, I made a comment that because my youngest was graduating from our homeschool, it was kind of like I was retiring. So my husband asked if they should throw me a retirement party. Now I'm not sure how serious he was, but the more I think about it, the better I like the idea! I'm going to tell him and my kids that I really would like for them to plan a retirement party for me. I don't want a gold watch or a plaque or anything like that, but I like 'retirement' as a reason to invite some friends for an open house that I don't have to clean up! I'd want to invite my homeschooling friends, and former students from my co-op classes and their families. What do you think? I will let you know if I get my party!
From Homeschool 101 - Homeschool Pep Rally
See my related posts:
Back to Homeschool Coffee Break - Dear Homeschool Mom
Moms, I wish I had better news for you, but I think you'd better not count too heavily on getting a lot of teacher appreciation this week. Or any week.
Now, don't get me wrong - what you do IS appreciated! And of course, we don't choose to homeschool because of the awards and recognition and awesome salary package. We homeschool because of our conviction that it's the right choice for our families. As homeschooling parents, we can have the satisfaction and assurance that we are doing our job the best way we know how. But it would be nice to get a little trophy or something, wouldn't it? Just a card. Something.
Not every homeschool mom has the full support and encouragement of extended family. Sadly, not every homeschooled kid is particularly appreciative of mom's effort as a teacher either. Or perhaps it's more correct to say that the students are not always likely to express their appreciation, especially as they get older. Some kids do, and I hope you're one of the lucky moms who will be getting some extra love on Mother's Day and who receives words or notes or other expressions of thanks for all you do as a homeschool mom! If you're not one of those moms, let me pass on some encouragement to you. Your kids DO appreciate you. Yes, they do, even if they don't say so, and even if they don't realize it right now.
I do have a suggestion for Teacher Appreciation, and I am planning to follow my own advice. If your children are part of a co-op, do something to express your appreciation for their tutors. Most co-op teachers are unpaid, because they are fellow homeschool moms pooling their knowledge and resources. The co-op that we are participating in does have paid high school teachers, but the tuition they charge is a bargain. I appreciate their investment in my kid, and I need to say thank you.
Just over a week ago, during a discussion about our summer vacation plans, I made a comment that because my youngest was graduating from our homeschool, it was kind of like I was retiring. So my husband asked if they should throw me a retirement party. Now I'm not sure how serious he was, but the more I think about it, the better I like the idea! I'm going to tell him and my kids that I really would like for them to plan a retirement party for me. I don't want a gold watch or a plaque or anything like that, but I like 'retirement' as a reason to invite some friends for an open house that I don't have to clean up! I'd want to invite my homeschooling friends, and former students from my co-op classes and their families. What do you think? I will let you know if I get my party!
From Homeschool 101 - Homeschool Pep Rally
You're the best!
You really are! Oh, I don't mean you're perfect or that you will never make a mistake, but you are the best person to take charge of your kids' education. You know them best, you care the most, and you're fully invested in helping them learn and succeed. You know their interests, their strengths and weaknesses, and the passions and challenges that make them tick. Plus, you're already a teacher - did you know that? You guided your child and helped them learn how to walk, to talk, to eat with a spoon, and so much more. And goodness, if you can potty train a child, you can certainly teach them to read!
You may not feel qualified to teach high school math or science, but there are lots of resources and options to help you in specific areas like that, and you are more than qualified to hunt up the resources that will work best for your homeschool.
You're the best because you're MOM. So make the family relationships the priority over an academic checklist or a spotless house. Remember to have fun with your kids and to make great memories. Take care of yourself and your own needs so that you've got the energy and the positive mindset that you need to look after your family.
Back to Homeschool Coffee Break - Dear Homeschool Mom
Do your kids express their appreciation to you? Leave a comment and let me know what works for you - or leave a homeschool question you're curious about.
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