As families gather on this Memorial Day, it’s a meaningful time to reflect on how we can teach our children to appreciate the gift of American freedom. Summer offers a natural opportunity to do just that – through traditions, stories, and simple acts of service. Children so often learn by observing what their parents value, which is why it’s important to model gratitude for those who have served and sacrificed for our country. Scroll down for seven simple and family-friendly ways to instill a spirit of patriotism at home.
1. Teach history beyond what they learn in a textbook.
Reading great stories about courageous American heroes from the Revolution until now is a wonderful way to help children of all ages understand and marvel at what has been done for them. And brings to life what they may have read in a school textbook. During the summer, especially leading up to Independence Day, libraries will often display their patriotic books. Our summer book club also has an entire week devoted to our country’s founding with some wonderfully patriotic books children and adults will love.
2. Visit museums and battlefields.
When you’re on a road trip or vacation, try to stop and see a great museum or battlefield — even a half-hour detour can be quite enriching and memorable. We found this list of 20 battlefields that are important to our country’s history, in case any upcoming travels happen to take you near one.
3. Observe and understand the different patriotic holidays.
It’s important for children (and adults!) to understand the different patriotic holidays and who they honor. Memorial Day is a more solemn day as it remembers the sacrifice made for our freedoms, and helping children understand the weight of that sacrifice is a powerful way to instill both gratitude and respect. Here are some important holidays to know:
Memorial Day – observed in May, it honors the men and women who gave their lives while serving in the military.
Flag Day – celebrated on June 14, it commemorates the adoption of the American flag in 1777.
Independence Day – celebrated on July 4, celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the birth of American freedom.
Patriot Day – observed on September 11, it remembers the lives lost during the terrorist attacks in 2001.
Veterans Day – celebrated on November 11, it honors all military veterans who have served the country in times of war and peace.
4. Respect the American flag.
Did you know there is an etiquette to how to display and treat the American flag? As you display the American flag this summer, talk through these things. We have a post all about this — including what to do and what not to do — and you can read it here.
5. Attend Independence Day and Veterans Day parades.
A parade is such a fun outing for the whole family and can be a tradition you carry on year after year. It can be a great time to talk about the different branches of the military as well. Check your city’s website for information on all the local events happening in your area this summer, and even consider driving to a smaller town nearby for a little slice of Americana.
6. Serve as a family.
There are many ways to show appreciation to our service members, veterans and their families and serving often grows our opportunity to learn about what they do or have done for our country. Your family may want to volunteer to write letters at Christmas or lay wreaths at cemeteries. With older children especially, this opens up such wonderful dialogue about what it means to serve your country, selflessness, and patriotism. Know a family whose mom or dad is deployed? Think about how you can support them or encourage them. This post has 10 Ways to Support a Family During Deployment. Children’s organizations like Boy Scouts also encourage volunteer work and teaches patriotism.
7. Watch patriotic movies that are age-appropriate.
There are lots of movies that would be fun for a family movie night — from Annie (it ends with a 4th of July fireworks display!) to Molly: An American Girl on the Home Front and An American Tail for little ones, then patriotic movies like Miracle, 42, Hamilton, or National Treasure for older children. 1776 is another one for tween/teens. The possibilities are endless and you can have such fun dialogue after! Be sure to check a site such as Common Sense Media to ensure that it’s a good fit for your family before watching.
What do you do in your family to instill patriotism? Share below!
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