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Raising Leaders. Discover how you can raise children to lead instead
of follow
Red, White & Blue Jell-O
Is Not Patriotic Parenting
By Rachel Webb Copyright ©2001
To many American's, the
constitution of the United States is revered as important as the 10 Commandments
are to religious believers. But living in a day and age where children are
no longer allowed to stand and offer the pledge or allegiance before starting
a school day, it is even more significant that parents teach their children
patriotism in the home.
Growing up our family enjoyed attending the
local Independence Day parade or carnival at the city park. We often had
a BBQ complete with red, white and blue Jell-O salad and lit sparklers on
the front lawn before the fire-works started. Those memories were wonderful
traditions I continue in my own family but they did not teach me patriotism
and will not teach my children respect for their country.
Dr. Linda Karges-Bone has a national radio show
on Family Radio Network called "Prayerful Parenting", she suggests that "Too
often we blame the schools and the media for our children's lack of patriotic
values and everything else, but you and I know..it is what we do at home
that has the most impact."
There are many opportunities where parents can
teach patriotism. Take your child inside the voting booth with you and explain
the process, don't be surprised if they want to use voting to settle disputes
are home though! Here are some other ways to make patriotism a fun family
experience:
Justice For All
Sit in on an hour of your cities Justice Court,
afterwards discuss what happened with the kids and discuss if the ruling
was fair and just. Taking a tour of the capital building can also be enjoyable
or settle a family dispute with a court trial of your own assigning each
family member to be the prosecutor, defender, judge and jury. |
