What Your Child's Teacher Really Wants

Back when we were kids it wasn't uncommon to actually give your teacher an apple and mean it as a gift of endearment. Today an apple would quite literally mean "Yo... you need to be healthy!" Unless your teacher loved apples... then by all means.. an apple a day!

But today's teachers don't want coffee mugs, water bottles, or even a crap load of candy. Why? Because if they've been in the profession as long as I have... they've got a S*&# ton of those! What's worse is they probably aren't even a coffee drinker! If by chance they are in fact a coffee drinker, he/she probably takes it in a to-go cup and drink on it all morning; not in a mug!

So what does your child's teacher really want as a gift? Praise, love, support, and having their back is a start! They are busting their a#@ day in and day out to raise your kids and someone else is probably raising theirs. That's tough to wrap your head around. Yea... she or he is litearlly pouring their life, sweat, tears, joy and all that entails into your kid to make them a successfull member of society one day. All the while, someone else is doing the same for them! Give a teacher a break... listen to them, listen to their advice, try to understand situations from their point of view and just say "Tthank You." Even if you don't agree, choose not to take the advice or firmly believe that hers or his isn't the best way... just say thanks. That goes a long way!

Now on to gifts! Yea teachers deserve gifts more than just during teacher appreciation week in May. Because guess what... May is too late to tell a teacher how much you appreciate their help everyday! Odds are they are giving up their time and money for your student which means it's taking away time and money from their own family. So give a gift that values exactly that!

This year for Levi's meet the teacher I gave the teacher a card with a "We are looking forward to a great year sentiment from both Levi and us as his parents. The card finished with "Because no teacher should have to fix dinner the first week of school." With a gift card to Dominoes pizza to pick up or have dinner delivered. She used it the next night!

So my suggestions...

Create a sheet or even use mine I've put below of your child's teacher's favorites! Get to know your teacher and find out stuff he/she likes. Show up with their favorite Sonic drink on a random afternoon at pickup. Buy a candle of their favorite fragrance. Get them a gift card to one of their favorite places to shop or eat. Past that... ask the teacher. Most times they want parents who can help stuff take home folders, pull small reading groups, help with sight word testing or just general help. That could be the biggest gift of all because it makes their life easier and their job a little better! Valuing their time with yours is one of the best gifts you can give!

Good luck and best wishes on an awesome school year to all the parents out there and teachers we appreciate most! Don't forget to say thank you to the teachers who impacted your life in a positive way and if you choose to shower your child's teacher with a gift or two this year... maybe this helps!