Raising a Little American

This should probably not be used as a how-to guide (though it worked for my parents, just sayin').
Royal and I discuss having a little one often. Now is just not the right time for us - we joke that it would be nice to live in the same country first.

One of the great things for us is that we're half n half: half straight up Brit, half crazy American. We get to bring both to raising a child.

That got me thinking...

How do you gently guide a tiny American so that they grow up to be a proud red, white, and blue-r?

1. Music. Must hear plenty of Johnny Horton, Beach Boys, John Phillip Sousa, Charlie Daniels, Louie Armstrong, Lee Greenwood, Buddy Holly, Marty Robbins, Stevie Wonder, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Glenn Miller, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jon Bon Jovi, Ella Fitzgerald, Linda Ronstadt, Frank Sinatra. There are more, many more...

2. The Olympics must be watched religiously. This not only instills pride in country, but also good sportsmanship. And it's mega exciting!

3. Reading introduced at a young age. Reading for fun! Attached to this should be many, many open conversations at the dinner table about history and current events. Can't know where you are unless you know where you've come from.

4. Exposure to foreign cultures. If not able to travel to the culture then do the next best thing - go to a St. Patrick's Day or a Cinco de Mayo celebration, or a highland games. Just some examples. I'm never as proud of my country as when I see what we're made up of.

5. Familiarity with the military. Send care packages to the troops, volunteer with the USO, etc. Watch the Military channel, but also specifically veteran's and Memorial Day programs. Listen to the marches on the Fourth of July. Treat veterans with respect, always and listen to what they have to say.

I know there's no formula - we wouldn't want there to be. Everybody has their own way and every child their own personality and beliefs. I'm just excited to share what I grew up with, with someone of my own.

Which reminds me...
Thanks Dad & Mom!

Comments

[Pat]

I think that's a great guide Kath. Should we be getting excited?

[Kath]

Oh gosh, to be honest we both want a baby - it's just that we know we have to get ourselves sorted out first.
With the immigration process going, and he still is not able to work because of it. We only have one vehicle, we both need to go back to uni, then we'll have to buy things for the house when we finally get one... etc.
Trust me, when it happens y'all will definitely know!