May 2, 2025

Homeschool Mom Ideas for Teacher Appreciation & Mother's Day!

Shea Park
Homeschool Mom Ideas for Teacher Appreciation & Mother's Day!

💐 A Homeschool Mom's Guide to Teacher Appreciation & Mother's Day!

Let’s say it: if you're homeschooling, you are the teacher, and Teacher Appreciation Week is for you too. But here’s the plot twist: when you're both the teacher and a mom, do you throw your own celebration? Bake your own appreciation brownies? Write yourself a heartfelt card?

If you’ve ever handed your kid a crayon and said, “Can you make Mommy a little thank-you note for teaching you how to do long division without tears today?”—you’re not alone.

But in all seriousness, helping our kids learn the value of giving thanks is as important as math and reading. When they take time to notice someone’s effort—whether that’s a traditional classroom teacher, a co-op leader, a neighbor who helps with science labs, or yes, their own mom—it nurtures empathy, gratitude, and thoughtfulness.

Here are a few sweet, simple ways to get your kids into the spirit of appreciation:

đŸ‘©đŸ« Easy Teacher Appreciation Ideas (Even for Young Kids)

  • Handmade “You’re My Favorite Teacher” Cards: Include silly doodles, spelling mistakes, and heartfelt honesty. (We once got one that said “Thanks for yelling less today.”)

  • “Thank You” Interview: Ask your child questions like “What’s something you’ve learned this year?” or “What’s something your teacher does that makes you laugh?”—then record or write it down to gift.

  • Kindness Chain: Each day of the week, add a paper link with something kind about a teacher or helper in their life.

  • Gratitude Coupons: Let your kids create simple thank-you coupons: “1 free hug,” “I will clean up without being asked,” or “You get to choose our read-aloud tonight.”

Big gestures aren’t the goal—it’s about making space to say “I see you.” Even when “you” is
well, you.

💗 The Mother’s Day Dilemma – A Message to Moms from a Mom

Now let’s talk about the elephant in the room.

Mother’s Day is coming. You are the mom. You teach your children. And somehow, you’re still expected to be the cruise director of this holiday that’s
for you.

And unless your partner is a Pinterest board in human form, you're probably the one reminding everyone: “Hey, maybe we should make a card for Grandma
 and also maybe
 um
 for Mom too?”

Here’s the thing: teaching kids to show appreciation to moms shouldn’t be about buying scented candles or breakfast-in-bed trays. (Though, we wouldn’t say no to those either.) It’s about modeling and fostering the art of giving—one that’s thoughtful, homemade, and from the heart.

đŸŒ·Ideas to Foster Gratitude and Gift-Giving (That Don’t Cost a Thing)

  • “Memory Jar” for Mom: Have kids write down favorite moments with you—funny, sweet, even ordinary. Fold them up and fill a jar.

  • Story Time Switcheroo: Ask your child to “read” to you—a made-up story, a puppet skit, or a retelling of something you read together this year.

  • Acts of Service Challenge: Invite them to plan one way to help “Team Family” that week—unloading the dishwasher, prepping lunch, setting up your tea tray like a cafĂ©.

  • “What I Love About My Mom” Placemat: Create a placemat with drawings, funny mom quotes (“She always says ‘Shoes off!’”), and things they love about you.

  • A Hug Schedule (Yes, Really!): Have them create a schedule with hug times, silly face breaks, or “mom appreciation” alerts throughout the day.

This isn’t about fishing for praise. It’s about helping your kids learn the joy of giving from the inside out. And believe me, that joy adds up.

Final Thought 

It can feel awkward to suggest your kids celebrate you. But trust me: teaching them how to appreciate you is a gift to them, too. You’re planting seeds of gratitude that will bloom for the rest of their lives.

And while you're guiding them through those sweet, slightly lopsided acts of love—don't forget to take a moment to appreciate yourself too. You're doing sacred, unseen, incredibly important work.

💛 You are appreciated. You are seen. And if no one’s said it lately
 Happy Teacher Appreciation Week, and an early Happy Mother’s Day, friend.

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