Cultivating patriotism in the hearts of children

Patriotism for children is no different than regular Patriotism, it is an act of gratitude and charity toward one’s country and fellow countrymen. It is, in action, the love of neighbor and a posture of thankfulness for the blessings that God has bestowed on us in our common home. Thomas Aquinas wrote, “Man is a debtor chiefly to his parents and his country, after God. Wherefore just as it belongs to religion to give worship to God, so it belongs to piety, in the second place, to show reverence to one’s parents and one’s country.”

It’s never too early to begin instilling a love and reverence for country in our children. However, the all-day concerts or late-night fireworks typical of Fourth of July celebrations aren’t always ideal for families with young kids. So what might a great Independence Day look like for the youngest patriots? Here’s a simple, close-to-home itinerary to help your family fully embrace the spirit of the Fourth.

Start the day with prayer and patriotic pancakes

The most important thing a family can do on Independence Day is pray for our country. Begin the festivities by singing God Bless America and praying the Collect for Independence Day:

Collect for Independence Day

In our family, no special day is complete without pancakes and copious amounts of whipped cream. Before digging in, help your children decorate their pancakes like the American flag using strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream. While they enjoy breakfast, read the Preamble to the Constitution aloud, and turn cleanup into a patriotic sing-along with Yankee Doodle—don’t forget there’s more than one verse!

Make memories at a neighborhood parade

Once dressed in your Fourth of July best, grab the craft bin and let the kids decorate their stroller, bike, scooter, or wagon with flags, streamers, and handmade signs. If your neighborhood hosts a parade, great! If not, make your own. A stroll around the block, singing classics like The Battle Hymn of the Republic or You’re a Grand Old Flag, can be just as festive. Coordinate with other families to plan a mini parade at a nearby park.

Read your way through America’s story

After your patriotic adventure, settle down for lunch and story time. Choose books that highlight America’s rich history and ideals. Here are a few family favorites:

1. The Fourth of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh
2. America the Beautiful, illustrated by Wendell Minor
3. Dear Mr. Washington by Lynn Cullen
4. The Flag We Love by Pam Muñoz Ryan
5. The Star-Spangled Banner by Peter Spier

Sweet treats in red, white, and blue

Few things spark joy in kids like a patriotic snack. Prep ahead by grabbing red, white, and blue popsicles or making Rice Krispies treats with red and blue M&Ms.

Or, if you’re up for a more time consuming labor of love, you can create a beautiful, layered treat with red, white and blue jello. My mom used to make these finger jello bites for our family gatherings on the Fourth of July, and it was always a crowd favorite. They’re almost too pretty to eat (but too scrumptious not to)!

Backyard fun with all-American flair

After a rest, it’s time for more celebration! Some families may head to a ballgame—because what’s more American than hot dogs, peanuts, and baseball? Others might fire up the grill or head to the local pool.

Prefer to stay home? Transform your yard into a water wonderland. Break out the sprinkler, set up the water table, and surprise the kids with a red, white, and blue water balloon fight!

Fireworks from home

After dinner, get into pajamas and pop some popcorn for the main event – fireworks from your couch! You can tune in to your local PBS station, or livestream from Facebook or their website to see A Capitol Fourth in Washington, D.C. at 8 p.m. If your children have an earlier bedtime and will miss the live performance, the PBS website has footage from past years’ fireworks displays and concerts available to watch, so they don’t have to miss out on the fanfare and festivity.

As your children fall asleep, conclude the day in prayer. The Blessed Virgin Mary, under her title of the Immaculate Conception, is the patroness of the United States of America and a powerful intercessor, so praying a family rosary for our country would be a great way to ask the Mother of God to watch over and protect our nation. 

The Fourth of July is a wonderful opportunity to grow in the virtue of patriotism alongside our children. George Washington implored in his farewell address, “The name of American, which belongs to you… must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism.” This Independence Day, and every day, let us cultivate within our families a spirit of love, gratitude, and respect for our home sweet home.