Character Counts:
Teach Them to Serve

Here we go now!…Summer is over and another year of our homeschool journey is off to a great start! So many accomplishments, yet it is always a work in progress. My to-do list:

• Curriculum selected 
• Field trips planned
• Enrichment classes scheduled
• Sports registration complete

As I check off the task list, it is always great to feel like all the i’s are dotted and the t’s are crossed! Come with me as we take a closer look at what lies in store for the new school year, to ensure that all the bases are covered.
I used to spend way too much time on lining up all the tasks like the ones mentioned above. My boys are adults now so I don’t have this regimen every fall. Looking back, as my boys grew up, I began to realize that these tasks were not the ones that carried the most importance in their education. You see, a big part of their education is developing them into the adults that God created them to be: a person who is a functioning member of society, considerate, generous, and a hard worker. This includes things like; teaching them how to interact with people: shake hands, make eye contact, and speak clearly with a proper tone of voice. Being respectful of other people, their property, ideas, and opinions. Show courtesy to others around you by yielding the sidewalk or road, holding the door for others, or watching someone struggle – don’t watch, lend a hand and help them with their load. These are just a few examples to get your parental mind thinking!

Here are some activities we incorporated into our free time that I would love to share with you. I would come up with the ideas in the beginning, but as they grew older, they came up with their own ideas. Things I did with my boys to help develop them.
Caring for and/or helping widows: We helped do lawns, move heavy items, and make small repairs. These may seem like menial tasks, but when you are a widow, you do not have the help needed for some of these everyday tasks, and you get to be a blessing.
Fundraiser for their sports program: My oldest had a bake sale where he raised over $700 for his sports team. He asked some of the team moms to help with the baking and he manned a table and turned in the money.
Charitable collections: My youngest headed up a campaign for Operation Christmas Child. Boxes were collected and sent to Samaritans Purse for distribution to children.
These tasks took time and energy, but did not cost anything! They learned to serve and have a positive impact on others. Having your children see how they can make a difference was priceless to me and my husband!
Stay tuned to the MANNA as next month I will share more ideas on how to mold and shape the character of your children. If you don’t, others will, and chances are they will become a character! If you would like to share any of your ideas on training you did with your children, leave a comment here!
As always, if there’s anything I can help you with, please do not hesitate to contact me lwhiten@homeschoolfeast.com or 210-342-4674, ext. 102. Stay strong and homeschool on!

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.