10 Tips to Practice Gratitude in your Homeschool
10 Tips to Practice Gratitude in your Homeschool
Our goal as homeschoolers is to happily homeschool our children. We rather have days of learning with smiles, cheers, and enchantment instead of tears and frustration. While having a happy homeschool sounds wonderful but unattainable focusing on gratitude helps! We are sharing 10 tips to practice gratitude in your homeschool.
1. Keep A Gratitude Journal
We have a bunch of printable journals you can use for the month of November. Some have prompts some don’t but you don’t need a fancy journal to write out 3 things you are grateful for each day. It doesn’t need to be fancy or in-depth, keep it simple. By creating a daily reminder, we begin to recognize and appreciate what really matters. If you forget to write it down, no biggie, write it down tomorrow. This is not a homework assignment but rather a daily reminder to be thankful for life.
2. Get Involved in a Non-Profit
Do some research to find the organizations that are active in your community then choose one that inspires you and your family. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, learn more about the local community, and provides a great feeling of giving back.
3. Reconnect with Nature
Practice gratitude by reconnecting with nature. Have a homeschool day outside, or go for a nature walk, plan a picnic or poetry teatime at the beach or in the park, rent kayaks or canoes, watch the sunrise or sunset, exercise outside, or choose a table outside when at a restaurant. Nature is around us all the time, all we need to do is recognize and experience it!
4. Remove Complaining From Conversations
For some of us, this can be a daunting task. Start to pay close attention to what your conversations consist of and whom these conversations are with. You will begin to notice a pattern. Guide your words and thoughts to be uplifting, positive, inquisitive, and intellectual. The outcome will be beautiful conversations and newfound friendships! You also will be setting a great example for the littles to follow.
5. Stay in the Present Moment
I know this is a phrase being thrown around everywhere but it’s 100% true. By being present, we recognize the beauty right in front of us. For example, I once read to be present when washing the dishes. So, I began to zone is when washing the dishes. I recognized the hot water flowing from the faucet, the meal I just prepared and enjoyed, and the pots and pans I owned and used, the simple things that all too often we forget. Being present during the homeschool day, not worrying about what needs to be done in a few hours or tomorrow will bring more joy and gratitude to your homeschool. The present moment is where gratitude exists, it’s the field of energy where life is happening, start to stay here more, it’s beautiful.
6. Get into Meditation
Find a moment to get still, gently close your eyes, take deeper breaths, and turn inward. This is a great practice to start as a family. Dim the exterior world so the light inside you can shine brighter! Meditation can mean whatever you want it to mean, don’t get hung up on complicated practices. Start simple and stay consistent! You can check out some of our mediation tips for families here.
7. Prepare Meals at Home
Okay, so maybe you don’t enjoy cooking and that is fine. But, recognize that many of us are so incredibly blessed to have a roof over our heads and a kitchen to prepare food in. We have the ability to shop for fresh groceries, cook in a clean environment, sit down at a table and have conversations, and enjoy wholesome, delicious food. This an easy one to take for granted so remind yourself whenever possible.
8. Connect with Friends and Family
This might seem simple, but it can be quite difficult. Busy schedules and the convenience of texting keep live conversations on the back burner. This holiday season, pick up the phone and wish people a Happy Holiday! You’ll feel awesome afterward.
9. Get Moving!
You are so lucky to have this amazing body of yours. Moving your body helps you boost your mood. While we all get held up on our body’s shortcomings it has helped us be where we are today and get to where we need to be tomorrow. Be grateful for the body you have and get it moving!
10. Be Grateful for You!
At the end of the day, this is the most important thing we have. Too often we take ourselves for granted – making poor food choices, not exercising consistently, getting caught up in social media, etc. This year, give yourself the gift of self-love. It is hard work but all you have to do is take it step-by-step and give yourself some love each and every day.
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