Children Patriots

This year will be an especially poignant Independence Day for the United States on July 4. While there has been a surge in patriotism since September 11, we all need to maintain a sense of pride and love for our country whether we are at war or living in peace. Children need to feel a sense of belonging, in their family, their classrooms and their country. They thrive in an environment of respect, compassion and stability. If we teach our kids love, honor, compassion and respect for their country as well as for their fellow man, they will not only be graced by a sense of patriotism, they will become better citizens. One of our greatest challenges as parents is to raise our children to be healthy, honorable adults. A sense of patriotism is a good reinforcement of honor and ethics. Our babies learn kindness from our gentle touch; they learn healthy self-esteem by our praise and respect; they learn to maintain their precious bodies with good food and regular exercise. They learn these living examples from their caretakers and schools. We are also responsible for teaching them to respect and be kind to others, to keep their community clean and to trust that their country will defend and protect them as best it can. I firmly believe they should be taught to revere their country