Patriotism: One More Thing Grandparents Can Teach Grandchildren
I love a parade, and so do my grandchildren. If your community hosts a Fourth of July parade, I would suggest being front and center with the grands. The grandparents' job isn't over when the parade is done, however. Here are five ways that grandparents can teach patriotism all year round.
Yes, theme parks are fun, but once in a while grandparents should pass them up in favor of historical sites and museums. Children of all ages can find something that catches their interest at most historical sites. Most importantly, you are establishing family traditions. Children love repetition. They'll like returning to the sites they have visited before, but they will also find new items of interest as they mature.More »
There are great social studies games available online from the likes of National Geographic, the Smithsonian, the History Channel and the BBC. Choose one of these, or opt for a traditional board game. Buy the grands a United States puzzle to increase their knowledge of geography, and pick up puzzles, coloring books and card games whenever you visit a historical site. The grandkids will have fun, and you'll be surprised what they will learn.More »
No matter what the age of your grandchildren, there are great books celebrating America to share with them. Think outside the box: You can choose cookbooks, cartoon books, poetry books and more. Presidents and their wives and children have also written fine children's books. The big payoff is that if you successfully foster readers and history buffs, when they become adults, you'll have someone to discuss and trade books with.More »
Doing is generally better than watching, but sometimes grandparents are unable for various reasons to do much with their grandchildren. That's a great time to watch a movie or video together and discuss what you have seen. Grandparents should be able to give some information and insights that others might lack. Exercise caution when choosing what to watch. Many historical movies contain bloodshed and mature content.More »
Do you have an ancestor who fought in the American Revolution, or a relative who was present at the bombing of Pearl Harbor? Share what you know about your family's history with your grandchildren. While you're at it, write it down and preserve any existing photographs and memorabilia. With each generation that passes, the chances of history being lost increase. If you need a little help, try one of these keepsake journals, or get professional help.More »
1. Visit museums and historical sites.
Yes, theme parks are fun, but once in a while grandparents should pass them up in favor of historical sites and museums. Children of all ages can find something that catches their interest at most historical sites. Most importantly, you are establishing family traditions. Children love repetition. They'll like returning to the sites they have visited before, but they will also find new items of interest as they mature.More »
2. Play a history game.
There are great social studies games available online from the likes of National Geographic, the Smithsonian, the History Channel and the BBC. Choose one of these, or opt for a traditional board game. Buy the grands a United States puzzle to increase their knowledge of geography, and pick up puzzles, coloring books and card games whenever you visit a historical site. The grandkids will have fun, and you'll be surprised what they will learn.More »
3. Read books together.
No matter what the age of your grandchildren, there are great books celebrating America to share with them. Think outside the box: You can choose cookbooks, cartoon books, poetry books and more. Presidents and their wives and children have also written fine children's books. The big payoff is that if you successfully foster readers and history buffs, when they become adults, you'll have someone to discuss and trade books with.More »
4. Watch a patriotic movie or video.
Doing is generally better than watching, but sometimes grandparents are unable for various reasons to do much with their grandchildren. That's a great time to watch a movie or video together and discuss what you have seen. Grandparents should be able to give some information and insights that others might lack. Exercise caution when choosing what to watch. Many historical movies contain bloodshed and mature content.More »
5. Preserve family stories.
Do you have an ancestor who fought in the American Revolution, or a relative who was present at the bombing of Pearl Harbor? Share what you know about your family's history with your grandchildren. While you're at it, write it down and preserve any existing photographs and memorabilia. With each generation that passes, the chances of history being lost increase. If you need a little help, try one of these keepsake journals, or get professional help.More »