In this modern age of “me first” how can parents teach our children to be good citizens? What does it even mean to be a good citizen today? Let’s find out in today’s top 10.

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1. Citizenship is a tough concept for preschoolers but even our littlest citizens can begin to learn the meaning of citizenship through picture books, songs, & crafts. Some good ones to check out are Meet Our Flag, The Pledge of Allegiance, America the Beautiful, & Yankee Doodle.
2. Talk about what it means to be a good citizen while you make a Patriotic Windsock, Make an All American Anne Doll, Paint a Patriotic Floor Cloth, Decorate a Piggy Bank, or make a Patriotic Symbols Cube. Check out All Crafts for more craft ideas.
3. Ask older children to brainstorm a list of do’s and don’ts for citizenship. Ask for specific examples of each behavior they identify.
4. Role-play your list from #3. Children can act them out themselves or use puppets. Role-play poor citizenship, and then, good citizenship.
5. Encourage your children to take part in community service projects. Check out these websites for ideas: Youth Noise, Idealist, Do Something, & Kids Care
6. Be a good neighbor. Visit ill or elderly neighbors together.
7. Visit these free online resources to explore the idea of citizenship: USA Flag Site, Law for Kids, Department of Justice for Kids, Kids in the House, Whitehouse Kids
8. Serve together in a service organization like the Young Mens Service League or National Charity League
9. Join other families to greet troops returning from active duty.
10. Take your children with you when you vote on November 4th.

Traditionally good citizens obey the law and take an active part in
civic affairs like voting. A good citizen also plays an active role in
his community & seeks to live a productive life. As homeschoolers
our goal is to help our children develop these qualities of good
citizenship. We want them to become law abiding, productive citizens
who invest themselves in their community & its government.

How do you teach your children about citizenship & patriotism?

Kat is a homeschooling mama of a preschooler & toddler and the founder of Moms In The Right.