Memorial Day is often thought of as the unofficial start to summer. Ask a child what the meaning of the holiday is and they might just tell you it’s a long weekend off from school or a day of parades and picnics. (My child might tell you it’s the weekend we go to the beach every year.)
You can help your kids gain a deeper understanding of the holiday by honoring it in age-appropriate ways. Older kids may be interested in the history of the holiday and capable of understanding the sacrifices military people make for their country. For the little ones, it might be wise to explain Memorial Day simply as a time to say thank you to the people who keep our country safe. You know your children best, so it’s best for you to decide how much detail you provide. Even if they don’t fully grasp the holiday, children of all ages can commemorate the day.
Here are 10 patriotic things to do with your kids this Memorial Day:
* Read a book! Libraries offer a wide selection of kid- friendly picture books that explain the meaning of Memorial Day. The Wall by Eve Bunting is a great choice. It’s also a great lead-in to the following idea:
* Go online together to view the Names of Fallen Soldiers. Just seeing the lists will help kids understand that the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our country are more than just a number.
* Make a patriotic snack together. These red, white, and blue strawberries are easy and scrumptious! All you need is a carton of ripe strawberries, white melting chocolate for dipping, and blue sprinkles. Melt the white chocolate, dip the strawberries half-way, then when the coating is semi-dry, dip the tip in the blue sprinkles. Voila!
* Decorate a thank you card for a family member or friend you know who served or is currently serving in the military. This is such a simple and effective way to show gratitude!
* Display an American Flag outside your house. There is no better color combination than red, white, and blue. Even if they’re a bit young to understand the true meaning of these days that pay tribute to and thank our past and present soldiers, they can understand the importance of the flag and how we represent it and care for it.
* Make a patriotic craft together. These crafts are perfect for the rainy Memorial Day forecast:
DIY Handprint American Flag T-Shirt
Pom Pom American Flag Painting Craft
* Teach them the Pledge of Allegiance. If they know it, ask them to lead it before a meal time prayer.
* Host a Red, White, & Blue play date. A fun way to encourage children to learn the Symbols of America and show gratitude to our soldiers. Have everyone wear their red, white & blue clothes, bring a patriotic snack, and partake in red, white, & blue crafting fun!
* Make a connection- do you have family members who served in the military? If so, ask them to share pictures or memorabilia from their time in the service with your children. If your family member is no longer living, bring out photos from their time in the service, or medals if you have them. Children will be proud to know they have a personal connection to someone who served our country.
* Pause for a moment of silence during the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00pm on Memorial Day. Talk with your children about thinking about the brave men and women who fought for our country during this time.
Even if all you do is talk about what the holiday means to you, your kids will benefit. They are little sponges, and take in way more than we may think they do. Helping our children at a young age become cognizant of the sacrifices people make for the greater good will better prepare them to be more thoughtful and patriotic adults!
