25 Ways of Expressing Appreciation to Your Host Family
- Fold the clean laundry;
- Empty the dishwasher;
- When you see your host parents doing household chores, ask them to show you how to do it;
- Sweep the floor;
- Rake leaves;
- Pull weeds;
- Acknowledge holidays (Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day) or birthdays with a small gift/card;
- Cook a meal or dessert (from your home country or a new American favorite);
- Sweep the outside porch, deck, sidewalk or driveway;
- Give the dog a bath;
- Clean the cat's litter box;
- Read a story to your toddler host brother or sister (especially when they are being cranky and your host parents have something important to do!!);
- Shovel snow;
- Wash the dishes after dinner;
- Give your host mom flowers for no apparent reason (can be purchased at the local grocery store or even wild flowers growing along the road);
- Write a thank you note;
- Take your family out for dinner (can be McDonald’s or the local pizza place!);
- Treat your family to a movie & popcorn (you could even plan a family movie night at home by choosing a rental and buying microwave popcorn);
- Babysit so your host parents can enjoy dinner or a movie out by themselves;
- Treat your family to ice cream;
- Ask your host family members how their day was...and listen to their reply;
- When you are getting a snack/drink for yourself, ask if you can get something for anyone else;
- When the trash can is full, empty it;
- If a host family member has a hobby they are proud of, ask them to share it with you;
- If you see a host family member making a meal for the family, ask if you can help;