| Since September 11, 2001 Independence Day for the | | | | of our greatest challenges as parents is to raise our |
| United States on July 4th has been especially poignant. | | | | children to be honorable and respectful adults. Adopting |
| While there has been a surge in patriotism, we all need | | | | a path of patriotism is a good reinforcement for them |
| to maintain a sense of pride and love for our country | | | | to show honor and a sense of ethics.Our babies learn |
| whether we are at war or in peace time.Children need | | | | kindness at first from our gentle touch; they also learn |
| to feel a sense of belonging too, in their family, their | | | | self-esteem by our praise and respect. They mostly |
| classrooms and in their country. They will thrive in an | | | | learn these living examples from their parents and at |
| environment of respect, compassion and stability. If we | | | | school. We are responsible for teaching them to |
| as parents teach our kids to love, honor, show | | | | respect and be kind to others, regardless of our |
| compassion and respect for their country as well as | | | | differences. We are also responsible for teaching them |
| for their fellow man, they will not only be graced by a | | | | to keep their community clean, and to trust that their |
| sense of patriotism, they will become better citizens, | | | | country will defend and protect them as best it can. |
| and in turn role models for our future generations.One | | | | |