Summer is quite literally THE season for grandparents and grandchildren to connect and enjoy each other's company. Mother nature does her best to cooperate and let us enjoy playtime outside. The grandkids are are summer break, and the list of fun things to do is endless. From the beach, to festivals, picnics, family reunions, fireworks, ice cream, museums, baseball games, hikes in the woods, fishing, carnivals and theme parks...summer is the time grandchildren and grandparents have been waiting for. And for Americans, the spirit and joy of summer works itself into a arm-tingling crescendo of celebration on the 4th of July.
“We hold these truths to be self evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”
- - Thomas Jefferson
July 4 has always been one of my favorite celebrations. A wonderful convergence of positive emotions: joy, pride, love, friendship, enthusiasm, optimism, appreciation, and patriotism.
My summer days of childhood included endless baseball games, dips in the neighbors pool, playing war in the woods, pacman, camping out, carnival caramel apples and fun in the sun on the sand at the beach. How could it ever have been possible to utter the phrase: "I'm bored." My grandma would famously retort back "You must be boring!"
Of course, this life lesson zinger was delivered in a loving way. She had an excellent sense of humor and was obviously not one for whining. (Ie...being bored is a decision kid. Make a different one.)
For grandparents, the opportunities to bond with the kids on July 4 are super. Check out the variety of ideas and thoughts throughout this page...and I'm sure you'll move your legacy efforts in a positive direction.
July 4th Ideas for your Grandchildren
The Parade:Make family plans to attend the local parade. It's darn near impossible to avoid lifting your spirit with a marching band! Bring a wagon for the little ones, and don't forget the essentials to avoid a mid-parade meltdown...water, snacks, and sunscreen and suncover. Picture pop-pop with a grandchild on the shoulders...waving a flag in one hand, cotton candy in the other. Makes a great memory, and picture moment as well.(And likely a sticky head for pops!)
EMail a 4th of July card:E-cards are (for the most part) free, and only take mere moments to create and email to your grandchildren. If you're pressed for either time or money...e-cards are the way to go. In fact e-cards are so quick and easy...why not do one in addition to whatever other July 4 plans & treats on your agenda. There are many e-card sites. Here are two I have used and can recommend:
Throw a block party: The neighbors all love to get together, but it rarely happens. That's because somebody has to take the initiative. Why not host a July 4th block party. Have guests bring traditional dishes (potato salad, watermelon, corn on the cob, apple pie, and ice cream) and keep the barbecue tasks simple: burgers and dogs are exactly what folks are wanting on July 4 anyway. Arrange some games for the neighborhood kids. Face-painting. Outdoor water games. Maybe purchase or rent a large inflatable to really put an exclamation mark on the event for the youngsters!
Fireworks Show: The capstone tradition for many families on the 4th of July.Especially with the youngest of grandchildren, the key here is for all to be comfortable, and that means for you to be prepared. While an evening out under the stars in the warm summer air sounds great to most adults, by the time the big show begins, it's well past most young children's bedtimes. And, if you go early to enjoy pre-fireworks festivities, the sun's likely to be a factor as well. Plan a picnic. Take sandwiches and plenty of snacks. Bring a wagon for the kids, comfortable blankets. You'll want some folding chairs too. How about sunscreen & don't forget bugspray too! Otherwise, the mosquitoes can ruin the event.We adults love the booms, but be sure to bring along ear protection to cut the fear factor for little tykes.
Points of Interest in America's Start: Do you happen to livewithin reach of America's colonial points of interest? Plan a trip with the kids to Philadelphia where the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence. Visit the Liberty Bell. Or head to Boston and discover Paul Revere's house or visit the monument of the Battle of Bunker Hill. Are you closer to Washington, DC? Good gosh, there's tons of great options to tour there, right? A little further south, visit Colonial Williamsburg for the experience of 18th century America coming to life. The secret in making these educational trips for the kids is to keep it fun. Get creative and come up with games to play along the way.
Go Adventuring: How about a camping trip over July 4 weekend? Make a real event out of the Holiday opportunity this year. Click the link below to check out a wide selection of camping gear and other travel and outdoor accessories to outfit your adventurer.
Book with Note: Pickup a book or two with a July 4 or America theme for your grandchild's collection. Add your name and a special note inside the front cover. Not only are you adding to their reading collection and educational view of history, you are conveying to them a value for Country, and the pride necessary to become a successful and productive citizen.
Write a short essay for your Grandchild "Why I Love America":Reflect and share on your all-American experiences as a child. What special celebrations and fun things did your parents and grandparents do for the fourth of July? Kids love to hear stories, and most will be fascinated to learn about your times in the "good 'ole days." Provide your grandchildren insight into events you LIVED through; events that they will only learn about in school or from books. Give them what a young teacher or book could never do! Make the historical event alive and real for them...they will cherish your gift of insight.Remember the stories passed on to you from your parents & grandparents? Capture those too!
“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”
- - Benjamin Franklin
Revolution History Books for Kids
Here's a "two birds with one stone" option. Encourage a healthy love for reading while at the same time educating your grandchild about our Nation's history. Perhaps you can even make an event out of reading a book to your little guy or gal on the fourth of July.
Great flicks with 4th of July Spirit
Often Hollywood will release their summer blockbusters on the 4th of July. Americans have always loved the movies, and for many families catching a great flick together is part of the July 4 experience.
I remember my grandmother taking me to the movies as a youth. It was a hot summer day and the line to buy tickets was terribly long. To my surprise, she walked us directly to the front. Sensing my hesitation, she pulled my hand along, right to the front! "Two tickets please".
As we walked on into the air conditioning and towards the popcorn line, I said "Grandma...we just butted! You can't DO that?!" And with a giggle and a grin knowing she just created a memory with me...she replied, "When you're old like me, you get to have fun and nobody will say anything. They just think you're crazy!"
And, that is one of the joys of being a grandparent. Every now and then, have fun, get crazy and break the rules! It'll be a memory to live on. Enjoy the show...
Patriotic Songs
Songs have a way of directly connecting with the human spirit. So, is it any wonder that love of Country and pride in the American spirit often goes hand in hand with a rousing anthem? Check out these popular favorites, and be sure to share them with your grandkids.
“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty.”
