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Real Life Subjects: What Your Family Does Ordinarily That Teaches Your Child an Abundance of LessonsThis is the theme of the week over at Heart of the Matter - a great topic.
From what I'm reading on other posts on this subject, the general consensis seems to be teaching servitude. We are no different. I believe that this is true among homeschoolers especially because, for the most part, I don't see this being taught by public schools. Servitude is something that is learned at home.
We began serving others when my girls were involved in Girl Scouts. We started at our local food bank helping them to package meals for families during the holidays. It became something that I strongly believe in and my children are learning that the universe does not revolve around them and that they actually have it pretty good at home.
In addition to teaching them to serve others, I also try to incorporate tolerance of others. I focus a lot on our own family. The two girls, being so close in age (under a year apart) sometimes find it difficult to get past their differences. They are like night and day. One is the diva princess and the other is a barn-junkie, a lover of all things horses. The diva has the hardest time accepting the dirt and smell of horses on the other! (I did see some real progress when last summer the diva actually volunteered alongside her sister at a local rescue barn - her own idea - AND decided to sponsor one of the horses there!)
The other thing I try to incorporate is etiquette. I see so many kids nowadays that don't know how to speak to adults, shake hands when being introduced, or just eating with manners at a local restaurant. I bought the latest Emily Post book and try to incorporate these lessons in small doses each day. Many people, even adults, don't know how or when to send thank you notes, take a message over the phone, or just politely say no. It's amazing to see the kids try these things out on their own. The 4-year old needs a little work - but she's getting it! ;)
So, how do you teach your child abundance? I'd love to know!
It is sad but true that simple kindness and thankfulness are not two things that are taught in public schools, and unfortunately it is resulting in selfish kids who grow up to be selfish adults.
ReplyDeleteThankful for the opportunity to demonstrate Christlike love and attitudes for my kids, and also thankful for others who are too!
Kristie
Great post. I have been trying to get better about making my kids to thank you notes and other things like that. I have noticed, though, that people say that my kids are quite well-mannered and I think it's just because it's important to our family. You make that clear in your post.
ReplyDeleteI think I'll have to look for the Emily Post book. I feel like, since we homeschool, our children's manners are extra-important. I always feel like we are ambassadors for homeschooling, and I want to do what we can to dispel the myth of "unsocialized" homeschoolers. This has been especially difficult for my daughter, who is just naturally shy and quiet.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you like the corn game. I got the idea from Barbara Rainey's book about Thanksgiving.