With the presidential election taking place this week, what better time to talk to your kids about patriotism and civic responsibility. Do your kids know the meaning of democracy? Have you ever been to a political rally together or wrote letters to congressmen and women? These are all things that can help teach your kids about core democratic values. Here are some other suggestions.
1. Talk to your children about significant events or holidays. Explain to them what the presidential election is and why voting is such an important freedom we have as Americans. Discuss the 4th of July and talk to your kids about the American revolution. Or, attend a parade during patriotic holidays.
2. Vote. What better lesson to show your kids, than democracy in action. Talk to your kids about the candidates and bring them to the polls with you. Letting them see you in the act of voting is a great lesson in itself.
3. Discuss what it means to be free. Do your kids know that there are countries where children can’t choose what they want to do when they grow up? Or, places where you don’t have the freedom of religion or speech? Talk to your kids about the freedoms we have as Americans.
In this week’s show we talked with George Johnson of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Musuem on respectful flag etiquette. Here are some things you should remember when hanging or displaying the American flag.
The American flag should always be the highest flag on the pole. It should be all the way to the top of the pole, unless instructed to be flown at half-mast.
The flag should always be hung with the stars facing your home.
When the flag is lowered, no part of it should touch the ground.
The flag should be lit at all times, either by sunlight or by an appropriate light source.
If the flag is in a line with other flags, the American flag should always be on the right, which is the viewer’s left, and its staff should be in front of the staff of the other flag.
The flag should not be used as part of a costume or athletic uniform, except that a flag patch may be used on the uniform of military personnel, fireman, policeman and members of patriotic organizations.
When a flag is so worn it is no longer fit to serve as a symbol of our country, it should be destroyed by burning in a dignified manner.
Posted Oct 24th 2008 10:36 AM by Jamie Allen
Filed under: Where You Live
Halloween costumes don’t have to be expensive. Here are a six costumes ranging from free to $10 that won’t break the bank!
A Bunch of Grapes: $2
Items Needed:
-A purple sweatshirt
-A bag of purple balloons
-Safety pins
Directions: Using safety pins, attach the balloons all over the sweatshirt.
Static Cling: Free
Items Needed:
-Sweat suit
-Socks and a dryer sheet
-Safety pins
-Hair gel
Directions: Using safety pins, attach socks and dryer sheets to the sweat suit. Use hair gel to spike up your hair to resemble a static effect.
When it comes to Halloween safety, a little advanced planning can go a long way.
Costume Safety
-Avoid masks that limit or block eyesight. Instead consider facepaint or make-up.
-Avoid black costumes and choose bright or reflective colors if possible. If your child’s costume is black think about using reflective tape on the costume for greater visability.
-Purchase costumes, wigs and accessories that are flame resistant.
-Make sure the costume isn’t too long, so your child doesn’t trip.
Pumpkin Carving Safety
-Small children should never carve pumpkins. Let little kids draw a face on the pumpkin with a marker and parents can do the cutting.
-Young children can also paint pumpkins instead of carving them.
-Votive candles are the safest for inside a pumpkin. There are also candle alternatives offered at many stores.
-Make sure pumpkins are placed on a sturdy surface where kids can’t knock them over.
In this week’s show we told you about a unique candy buy back program in Cascade. Dr. Kevin Flood is looking out for our children’s teeth and is offering kids cash in exchange their Halloween candy! The buy back takes place on Saturday, November 1 from 9-11am. Simply bring in your candy and you can trade it for $1 per pound.
For more information on Dr. Kevin Flood and directions to his office visit www.floodthedentist.com.
Grave Yard Sandwiches
2 slices Meijer whole wheat bread
3 slices deli smoked ham
1 slice 2% cheese slices
Light mayo
Lettuce leaf
Directions: Cover 1 of the bread slices with ham and cheese. Spread with mayo; top with lettuce. Cut sandwich into coffin shape.
Trick-or-Treat Trail Mix
1 cup Meijer pretzel sticks or mini pretzel twists
1 cup reduced-fat cheese crackers
1 cup Meijer lightly salted peanuts
1 cup orange and black dried fruit (raisins, dried apricots or peaches)
1/c cup Halloween candy (optional)
Directions: Combine all ingredients in a big bowl and toss to mix well. Use ½ cup measuring spoon to scoop out servings into goodie bags. Tie the ends closed with orange and black ribbon if desired.
Halloween is a fun and exciting time for kids, but it can also be a frightening time when kids don’t understand what’s going on around them. Here are some suggestions from Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services on ways you can handle your children’s fears and anxieties during this spooky season.
The most important thing a parent can do to help their child overcome fear, is to respect what their child is feeling. Listen to your child and reassure them that they are safe.
Normalize your child’s fears, then teach them how to handle them.
Feel – “Wow, you really feel frightened of those kids in costumes.”
Felt – “I felt that way, too, when I was your age.”
Found – “I found that it was less scary when I…” Offer your kids some suggestions, and ask if they think that strategy might work for them. If they say no, ask them what they think might work better. This way, you have them focusing on a strategy to cope.
“Yet another reminder why it's so important for parents to monitor what they're kids are doing on-line. A new study by UCLA finds that three out of four kids have been bullied online in the past 12 months. In fact, internet bulllying is a daily occurrence for many kids and teens. ”
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With the presidential election taking place this week, what better time to talk to your kids about patriotism and civic responsibility. Do your kids know the meaning of democracy? Have you ever been to a political rally together or wrote letters to congressmen and women? These are all things that can help teach your kids about core democratic values. Here are some other suggestions.
