Too often in today’s climate, it can feel like a political statement to say you want to raise patriots who are proud Americans. However, I would argue this is the exact conversation and focus that our country needs right now.
I was only 5 years old when the Twin Towers were hit. In the wake of 9/11, America entered a resurgence of patriotism as we began what would be an almost decade-long war. I grew up in this great pro-America movement, where Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue” became an anthem of my childhood. Unfortunately, this last half decade or so finds us in a very different political climate, where seldom do you find American flags waving and expressing American pride is considered a loaded statement.
As a mother of three young children, I so desperately pray that our country returns to a place where we can both recognize the flaws of our nation, and understand that its founding, its dedication to individual liberty, and its commitment to protecting the Imago Dei within each human person is worthy of celebration and protection.
Rights and responsibilities
I believe it is the responsibility of every citizen to know and love their country. Oftentimes, we enjoy the endless freedoms and gifts of this nation without stopping to recognize why they exist in the first place. The blessings we take for granted are not happenstance; they were explicitly and intentionally prepared 250 years ago by some of the most enlightened and brilliant men in history. These liberties were fought for and continually protected by the blood and sacrifice of countless men and women. It is our duty to know and understand the source of our freedom and the price paid for us to enjoy such liberties today.
However, this knowledge isn’t sufficient for us to know alone; it must be passed on to our children. We must not wait until they are in school and assume our education system will provide them with the proper understanding of our country and our liberties. And frankly, I would argue it is not their job. We as parents have the responsibility of raising our children to know their past, their history, and the source of the freedoms they enjoy. But how? It is a daunting task, but given the importance of the virtue of patriotism, it is a task of the utmost importance.
A spirit of liberty and patriotism
Patriotism is a love of country that is rooted in gratitude, encouraging a sense of duty and responsibility. Patriotism is linked to our national identity, unifying us together under a common source: our home. As Americans, we enjoy the freedoms enshrined to us in the Declaration and the Constitution. James Madison observed, “A spirit of liberty and patriotism animates all degrees and denominations of men.” Americans from all walks of life are united under this one source. It is an incredibly beautiful thing. Our first president exhorted us in our duty to celebrate being an American, saying “Citizens, by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to celebrate your affections.” Countless men and women have died to ensure the prosperity of this nation; we should have nothing but great pride and gratitude to live in the land of the free. Patriotism starts in the home. Here are some of the many ways we can help raise the next generation of patriots.
Fill your library with American history books
I believe there is no better way to encourage a heart for our country than through education. We do not need to force patriotism; we simply need to teach about our country, its history, the liberties it protects, and the heroes who founded it. The rest will naturally follow. This begins at the earliest ages; we do not need to wait for elementary school to begin teaching.
My children range from 1.5 to 5 years old. Our shelves are filled with books teaching about America – whether it be The Great George Washington, God Bless America, or Our Flag. Our young children are not too young to comprehend these great themes of sacrifice, liberty, and bravery. Just as much as they know and follow the stories of Disney princesses, they are capable of knowing and understanding the stories of our Founders. We should teach the founding and history of our country not as mere dates to memorize, but rather as our heritage, complete with some of the greatest tales of courage, rebellion, liberty, and faith. Our children are so incredibly capable; we just have to give them the opportunity. Linked here is a list of American children’s books I would recommend for young children to begin introducing them to our country’s rich history.
Make simple acts of gratitude
Through education comes appreciation. Once we know and understand the depths of sacrifice and human brilliance it required to create this country, we will be filled with a sincere sense of gratitude. While our children might still be too young to fully comprehend every aspect of our country, its freedoms, its government, and its founding, there are simple ways we can help encourage them to stop and appreciate the blessings we possess.
Praying for our first responders, soldiers, government officials, and the protection of the United States at meals and bedtime creates habits of appreciating the heroes who protect this great nation.
Saying simple statements such as “Isn’t it such a gift we get to live in a country that __________?” as you complete tasks reminds us of the blessings we so often take for granted.
Discussing the protected right of free speech and assembly as you go to advocate, protest, or vote. Recognize these freedoms are uniquely protected here in this country.
Acts of gratitude do not need to be grand, but simple acts that draw us closer together with fellow citizens and recognize the great blessing it is to be an American.
Be active in your community
One of the best ways to teach our children to be patriots is to be one ourselves. We should not be passive residents of the country, but rather be active participants in this great experiment. There are so many ways that we can become a more involved citizen, providing wonderful examples for our children to do the same!
1. Volunteer
Take your family to volunteer at a soup kitchen, drop off clothes and diapers at pregnancy resource center, be an active participant in your church congregation, or take a shift at your local voting booth.
2. Serve your neighbors
One of the greatest ways to serve your country is to serve your community. Mow the lawn for your elderly neighbor or bring a meal to a friend who is enduring a difficult time.
3. Support our troops and their families
Connect with organizations that adopt families during Christmastime to ensure military children receive Christmas gifts, volunteer at an USO event, have your children write and send handwritten cards, and always thank a veteran when you see them out in public.
4. Celebrate emergency responders
Take your children to a local police or fire station and bring a box of cookies to thank the heroes who protect our communities.
5. Vote!
Take your children with you when you go to vote. Explain the process to them and discuss the immense gift it is to have the ability to safely and freely vote for our government officials.
Create meaningful family traditions
Just as we seek to create meaningful traditions throughout the year for birthdays, family gatherings, and religious seasons, the same should be the case for celebrating our country. Making patriotism a normalized part of our homelife is an excellent way to help raise children to know and love our country. There are many simple ways to set the tone for our home.
1. Stand for the National Anthem
It is incredibly important our children see us honoring our country and our flag. Hats should be removed and hands placed over our hearts as we pause at events to recognize the freedoms we enjoy and the men and women who died to protect them.
2. Display the American flag
I firmly believe every home should have the American flag hung every day of the year. The American Flag should not be part of Fourth of July decor, but should proudly wave outside our homes every day.
3. Celebrate holidays with intention
National holidays should not simply be enjoyed as a day off from work and school. While they are wonderful opportunities to gather with family and friends, they should be honored and appreciated for their purposes, as well. On Memorial Day, sit down with your children and explain to them the meaning of the holiday. Discuss the notion of sacrifice and the countless families in this country who have lost a loved one to the cause of freedom. On President’s Day, discuss our founders. Learn their history and the great lengths they went to to ensure the creation of this great country. On Independence Day, take a moment between the parades and fireworks to study its history, read the Declaration of Independence and the moving “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!” speech passionately given by Patrick Henry in 1775. On Veteran’s Day, take a moment to pray for our heroes and their families. Have a heartfelt discussion about how freedom is not free and the liberties we possess in this country were paid for with the ultimate sacrifice. Look for nearby events, often hosted by local government or veterans’ groups, to commemorate each of these dates.
4. Read our founding documents on the Fourth of July
How often do we just sit down and read The Declaration of Independence, or the lengthy Constitution and Bill of Rights? Make it a habit to read these documents each year with your family and discuss their meaning, protections, and uniqueness from all other government systems in human history.
5. Visit historic sites and national parks
There are so many incredible national parks and historic sites to visit around the country. Make a point to plan a family trip and explore the vast beauty of our nation! From Mount Vernon to the National Archives, Yosemite to Mount Rushmore, our country is filled with the awe-inspiring places to explore. Click here to find a national park near you!
6. Create patriotic crafts
One of the simplest ways to celebrate our country with littles is to craft! Print off a copy of a map of the United States and spend an afternoon coloring and discussing each of the fifty states. Paint an American flag with cotton balls and explain the meaning of the 13 stripes, its colors, and the 50 stars. Print off coloring pages of some of the famous paintings of the American founding and discuss each of the events.
Educate your family
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” – George Santayana
If we are going to raise the next generation of proud and educated Americans, we must know our nation’s history ourselves and then teach it to our children. How best can we do that?
1. Know our history
The earliest settlers came to America to escape religious persecution. They engaged in war against the world’s greatest super power. They pledged their “lives, fortunes, and sacred honor” for the opportunity to live in a country where they could freely practice their faith and exercise their most basic liberties. This country was not founded on a whim; it was founded with the blood of righteous men, seeking freedom at whatever the cost. They were some of the most brilliant men the world has seen, creating a political and governmental system that has provided for the most prosperous and free nation in history. These men did not do this for power or prestige; Washington turned down the crown. They did it for freedom, for liberty.
2. Teach about founding principles
The Constitution of the United States begins with the words “We the People.” The government does not grant us the rights we possess; rather they are bestowed to us by our Creator and include “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” These rights are ours; they cannot be limited nor taken away. Not because man deemed it so, but because we are made in the image of God. The Founders recognized our worth is rooted in that reality and risked their lives to ensure its protection.
3. Teach it all – the good, the bad, and the ugly
Being an American does not mean we ignore the flaws of man and this country.
“If men were angels, no government would be necessary.” (Federalist 51) Do not hide the shortcomings of this country. Some of the worst atrocities ever committed occurred on American soil. Our founding documents even mention these failures and structured this country and government to overcome such iniquities. Our country is fallen because it was founded and is governed by fallen men. However, these shortcomings should not mean we disparage the vast liberties, prosperity, and freedoms we possess.
4. Educate your children about American heroes
Show your children how the life of one ordinary American changed the direction of this country for good. Encourage them that they possess this same potential. Their creativity, merit, boldness, and inventions could serve and improve our country. Teach about the lives and contributions of George Washington, Harriet Tubman, Thomas Edison, Susan B. Anthony, the Wright Brothers, Sally Ride, Frederick Douglass, and Davy Crockett to name a few. There are many good book series that teach in great detail the lives and contributions of a variety of Americans. The “Who Was,” “Childhood of Famous Americans,” and “If you ….” series are all excellent chapter book collections.
5. Teach how our government works
Visit your state capitol and Washington D.C., if you are able. Learn about the intricacies of our governmental and voting systems and how they have endured.
6. Study and memorize
We should have a well-versed understanding of our Founding Documents and principles. Read the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights with your families. Memorize important stanzas and discuss their meaning. These should be documents your children become familiar with as they grow.
Raising children who know and love our country can be done in many grand and beautiful ways. However, it’s the quiet, unseen moments – the dinner table, bedtime stories, discussions in the car – that help facilitate a true knowledge and understanding of the great country in which we live. We are raising stewards of this great nation. May the Lord grant us great wisdom and strength as we seek to achieve this great task and protect this great land in which He gave us.
Katie Broussard is a wife, mother, author, and founder of The Littlest Statesmen, an American family company dedicated to raising the next generation of educated, virtuous, and thoughtful Americans. Now a devoted wife and mother to three young children, Katie endeavors to cultivate a profound love and respect for her nation in her home. She is the author of The Great George Washington, the first book in the Founder’s Collection, which seeks to expose our youngest generation to the men and women who sacrificed and risked their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to build this great nation.