I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
If we had to make translate that title into an equation, it would read like this:
The Future = Our Flag + Your Kids
Moms and Dads, what can the future and the American flag have in common?
Both are in your hands.
Not to sound overdramatic, but it literally is. Every time you hug your child, every time you brush a stray hair away from their face, or every time you tuck them into bed, your hand touches them -- the future. It’s an awesome, humbling thought, isn’t it?
And as for our Stars and Stripes, you can easily purchase a “Made in USA” hand-held flag here (see below for links to various sizes). So this, too, can literally be in your hands!
Now please allow me to relate the two:
Let’s be real. Life has NEVER been perfect, but events of the past few months are enough to make even the most optimistic, freedom-loving parent fret. Anyone else have some new silver hairs breaking through their scalp?
Let’s be real. Life has NEVER been perfect, but events of the past few months are enough to make even the most optimistic, freedom-loving parent fret. Anyone else have some new silver hairs breaking through their scalp?
I asked my four-and-a-half-year-old (the half matters) daughter the other day to tell me her favorite thing about America. She said, “I just love that every morning is new and beautiful.” I was encouraged to hear this because I feel like I haven’t been my best self after months of monotonous quarantine and preschool shutdown. And more than being relieved of some mommy guilt, I was heartened. Our little children can wake up and know that whatever happened yesterday -- whether they lost a teddy bear, threw an especially bad temper tantrum, or saw <ahem> mom throw a little tantrum (we’re being honest, right?) -- the next day is a fresh start. They have the ability to recover quickly from difficult conditions. This is resilience. This is deep in the spirit of America:
The entrepreneurialism that says, “let’s try” and “even if we fail, let’s try again.”
The perseverance that says, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
The faith that says, “I believe I can,” and for many, the “I believe God is good.”
The unity that says, “We’re all different, but we care about the same country. There are 13 stripes and 50 stars, but one flag. We are one team.”
The future comes one day, one ray of sunlight, one precious child at a time. Why not start the day in an uplifting way? Literally.
We've got the "right hand on the heart" part down, but now we're working on "eyes on the flag," hence my daughter's "hand binoculars" to help her focus. Son is still learning that technique. Of course the baby spat up just as this photo was being taken. Just keepin' it real, Neighbors. Patriotism doesn't have to be perfect.
Before heading to school -- before your little ones buckle up (or log in for remote class) -- ask them to stand for the flag, pledge allegiance to it, and think about all that America stands for. Remind your kids -- and yourself -- that if you are an American, that flag belongs to you. Democrat, Republican, Independent, etc. The flag was meant to unify Americans, not divide them. And even if people are residents in the U.S. and not citizens, they still get to enjoy the benefits of living under that flag.
Remind your kids -- and yourself -- that if you are an American, that flag belongs to you. Democrat, Republican, Independent, etc. The flag was meant to unify Americans, not divide them.
For just a couple more minutes, pick one of the American values the flag symbolizes and talk about it with your kids. Need some help getting started on those values? Check out the ones we cherish here (hint: scroll down to "Values”).
If you have more than one kid, have some fun by rotating flag duties: One can be flag holder, one can lead the Pledge, and one can be responsible for respectfully placing Old Glory back in its place. For my family, since morning time is often a rush out the door, it can be easy to forget even this quick tradition So I keep a flag in the kitchen, one by the garage [or front] door, and one in the car in case we forget to Pledge at home (good thing these flags come by the dozen!).
We've heard of public schools that have cut the Pledge from the daily routine, and we lament that. But schools don’t have to have the last word -- or the first one. As Aristotle said, “Home is the school virtue.” And as Primerrily says, “Parents are primary.” You and your home are the school of your kids’ virtues. So lift ‘em high, right along with the flag and the future.
As Aristotle said, “Home is the school of virtue.” And as Primerrily says, “Parents are primary.” You and your home are the school of your kids’ virtues. So lift ‘em high, right along with the flag and the future.
Below are 2 ways you can take Aristotelian action and put The Pledge back in your kids' lives -- and your own.
1. Order "Made in USA" American flags that are the right size for you.
4X6 pack of 48
4X6 pack of 12
8X12 pack of 24
8x12 pack of 12
12X18 pack of 12
2. Take a picture or record a video of your child saying The Pledge of Allegiance
Send it to us at crew@primerrily.com. We'll feature you and your kids on our social media platforms, and your kids will understand they are part of a community who says the Pledge too! Each month, we’ll pick one random winner to receive Primerrily swag.
We keep flags in the pantry, flags in the garage, flags in the plant urn outside, and flags in the car, so even if it's been a hectic morning, and we just HAVE to get the kids in the car, we still can practice our family ritual before we kiss goodbye.
Comments