Raising Patriotic Children

Saturday, the Statue of Liberty’s crown will be open to visitors for the first time since shortly after the attacks on 9/11. When I heard the news, I nearly leapt for joy. It doesn’t mean I’ll be rushing back – one trip up the winding, narrow staircase only to be smashed in a swaying crown (it was windy that day) with 20 other people was enough for this closterphobic history buff – but it made me happy to think others will get that same opportunity again.

The news made me think about Independence Day in general. I’m currently raising a toddler, and it’s important to me that she recognize the nation’s birthday as more than just fireworks, cookouts and holiday weekends. It was while in this mindset that I stumbled across an excellent article by a child psychologist at The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton on teaching children patriotism. Dr. Ramey states:

Educating children about patriotism is really teaching them to act as responsible citizens. This is more than simply reciting the state capitals or learning how to vote. It’s about teaching them to think, question, and act responsibly.

One of the greatest things we can do for our children and the children in our communities is to teach them respect, appreciation and humility … as we live among some of the most turbulent economic and political times the world has seen in decades, how much could be solved by raising a generation more mindful of others, more respectful of people, places and things and more aware of those around them?

Dr. Ramey also gives some great pointers on raising children to be patriotic, which, in the spirit of this weekend’s holiday and our passion for children at Operation Kids, I share with you:

• Stay informed and talk to your children about current events, politics, economics, history and what democracy means.
• Take time to reflect – holidays like Independence Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day and others are more than just about parades, time off work and family barbeques. Take time to pause, reflect and learn more about what events and sacrifices led to these holidays.
• Travel – either virtually or in person. Explore new places, new cultures and the historical sites that may be lingering in your own backyard.
• Discuss dissent. Don’t gloss over the less-than-perfect parts of our history as a nation – discuss them, encourage children to be even better than the generation that went before them.

Dr. Ramey ends with a profound statement:

Let’s raise patriotic children who love this country for what we have done and who we are becoming, while still mindful of our long journey in translating our idealistic principles into practice.

As you set out for a road trip this holiday weekend, or gather for a family BBQ or a neighborhood fireworks viewing, I remind you to take a few minutes to share with the children around you why this, of all holidays, matters and what they can do to ensure we all continue to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for generations to come.

Happy 4th of July from all of us at Operation Kids.

-Sara

A Tribute to Parents

There are many things about a 24-hour marathon relay like Ragnar Relay Wasatch Back that leave an impression: the crazy vans, the physical demands on each team member, the beauty of the Wasatch Back course, but this year I was so touched with one aspect of the race, that I feel the need to pay tribute, individually and collectively, to the parents of children with special needs.

 

Operation Kids benefits all kinds of worthy charities in its partnership with Ragnar Relays. This year, we chose to benefit a health and fitness initiative of Best Buddies; a mentoring program for children with intellectual disabilities. As a result, we had a number of great children and young adults at the start and finish line who shared their infectious spirit of enthusiasm and friendship. One of these great young men was in our tent at the finish line doing his part, and I had the chance to speak with him and his mother.

 

The total commitment for a special-needs parent is difficult to describe. The near constant care is always coupled with the additional worry of, “who will care for my child of something happens to me?” Even when families find those great organizations like Best Buddies who can give even greater meaning and purpose to these young lives, it is the parents who must take their child to events, stay all the way through and then get them home again. I will keep names out of it because I am sure this kind mother is not looking for recognition, but as I spent time talking with this dedicated and very tired lady who loves her son, who would make any sacrifice for his well-being, I felt strongly that she, along with all parents in similar situations, deserves to be thanked.

May I just extend a tribute and thanks to the many mothers and fathers who care for special needs children on a daily basis. I realize fully that you do it because you love them, but I also realize that you do it because you must; because your children need you. You adjust your life to their needs in an effort to make their lives better, often sacrificing much of your own in the process. It is remarkable to see first-hand those people who make significant sacrifices that enable their children to experience a fuller, richer life.  In turn, that sacrifice enriches people like me – who walk away with a greater appreciation for life in general.

Thank you, to all of you.

-Rick