Gratitude in Boots: Teaching Thankfulness in Military Life & Homeschooling
Military life can sometimes feel like a never-ending juggling act—new orders, constant change, and goodbyes just when you’ve finally unpacked the last box. But even in the middle of all that, gratitude can be the steady heartbeat that keeps us grounded. In this episode of the
Military Homeschool Moms Podcast, Crystal shares how to cultivate gratitude in your home—both as a military spouse and as a homeschool mom.
Why Gratitude Matters
Gratitude doesn’t mean pretending life is easy—it means noticing what’s still good even when things get hard. For military families, gratitude anchors us in what doesn’t change: our faith, family, love, and purpose. It strengthens resilience and helps both moms and kids reframe challenges with perspective instead of frustration. Crystal shares personal insights, including how keeping a simple gratitude journal helps her focus on God’s control instead of life’s chaos.
The Deployment Dinner Bell
You’ll love the touching story of a military mom who created a “Deployment Dinner Bell” tradition with her kids. Every evening, before dinner, they rang a tiny bell and shared one thing they were thankful for. It became a sweet way to replace loneliness with connection—and the bell still rings in their home years later as a reminder that gratitude isn’t just for hard seasons; it’s for every season.
Practical Ways to Teach Gratitude
Crystal offers age-appropriate ideas for
weaving thankfulness into homeschooling:
* Preschool–Elementary: Gratitude treasure hunts, thank-you doodles, and “Thankful Motions.”
* Upper Grades: Kindness math charts, service bingo, gratitude journals, and even persuasive writing on gratitude’s impact.
* Family Ideas: Gratitude jars, “Morning Three” routines, and mission boards for serving the community.
Faith & Perspective
Drawing from Scripture and quotes from Joni Eareckson Tada and Max Lucado, Crystal reminds listeners that gratitude isn’t denial—it’s perspective. Giving thanks in all circumstances keeps our eyes on the Good Giver, even when life gets messy.
Final Encouragement
Gratitude turns ordinary days into moments of worship and connection. Tiny steps—like naming two things you’re thankful for or inviting a neighbor to dinner—can transform your outlook and your homeschool atmosphere.
Connect:
Visit MilitaryHomeschoolMomsPodcast.com for resources and more encouragement.
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