Conveying the Importance of Independence Day
Before we have our family fun time, we will sit the kids down and explain the significance of the day. Here is what we will be telling our kids:
Independence day is the day we celebrate our country’s freedom. While today we will have lots of fun, it’s important to know why we are so thankful that we are free. We are blessed to live in a free country where we have the right to choose our religion, worship God how we want, and vote. That is a freedom that not all countries have. There are many men and women who work very hard to keep our country free. We must always remember to be grateful for those who serve our country.
For the little kids, you should keep it short and sweet, but drive home the things about Independence Day that mean the most to your family.
If your children are younger, use words that they will understand, including things that they know and people to whom they can relate. These small talks help shape your family’s values and inform a child’s understanding of why holidays are so special.
One great activity you can do with your younger kids is having them write letters to our U.S. Military Men and Women, past and present, for their sacrifices, dedication, and service to our country. If you have a relative or neighbor who has served in the Armed Forces and they are home, today would be a great day to hand-deliver a note of thanks!
If your children are older, you might read to them from the Declaration of Independence or a book like In God We Still Trust: A 365-Day Devotional. And we’re excited to let you know that there are some free patriotic devotions that you can read to your kids, such as “Declaring Independence, a devotional” and “Freedom: Remember His Marvelous Works” by Richard Lee. Also, check out this post about using the conversation about our country’s freedom to discuss freedom in Christ!
Whatever you do, enjoy your Independence Day and God bless the U.S.A.!
