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Red, White & Blue Jell-O Is Not Patriotic Parenting

© Rachel Webb

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.

Current Events Debate Have an evening to discuss current events of interest to the kids, let them form their own opinions and help them write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, school paper or hold a friendly family debate. Teenagers and adults could write to their local congressman or senator.

Anarchy & Tyranny Day Learn about the importance of having rules by allowing the family to have a day of Anarchy...no rules and anything goes. If your children are old enough to understand the concept have a day of Tyranny as well. During this day unfair punishments are the name of the game. My daughters 3rd grade classroom found this a fun learning experience and it helped them appreciate rules and regulations.

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