On Nov. 11, at 11:11 a.m. we celebrate those who fought for our freedom and the freedom of our country . . .
and those who continue to fight for us. This day is such an important one to mark on our calendars, one that definitely requires some explaining to our little ones. I have broken down how to explain Remembrance Day and what you can do with your children to commemorate the date. I hope it provides a few ideas.
Little ones – Littlest ones may have a hard time sitting through Remembrance Day ceremonies and have a hard time understanding the need to be solemn and quiet. If going to a ceremony is not a fit for you, you can read stories with them, like, “A Poppy to Remember” by Heather Patterson.
You can also wear poppies with them. Attach one to their coat as well as your own with the explanation that we wear these poppies to honour, remember and support brave people that serve our country, Canada. If you have someone in your life that you honour, this is a great time to spend some time talking about their stories, whether it be past or present.
Discussing how difficult it was for veterans to have been away from their families and homes, and how happy they are to be reunited is something that may resonate with young children since they don’t usually like to be away from their families.
You can also make a poppy with them to have up around your home as another way to remember. Simply cover a white paper plate with little pieces of red tissue paper balled up. Coat the plate with white glue and let your child stick on their red flowers. In the centre of your poppy glue on a black construction paper circle. Once complete, find a special place to hang it.
Older children – With older children you can really discuss the importance of respecting Remembrance Day. You can explain why we have a moment of silence on behalf of all veterans and what they’ve done for us and continue to do. There are lots of fabulous ideas on how to engage school age children in Remembrance Day, I found some of these ideas on the Veterans Affairs website.
1. Attend a Remembrance Day ceremony; schools usually have one as well as most towns. Check with your municipality to find out whether or not your town will be hosting one. Don’t forget to wear your poppy!
2. Make a wreath with your family to lay at the cenotaph. Perhaps you have a family member, friend or neighbor to commemorate.
3. Interview a veteran; ask about their experience and contribution to war. When I was in grade five, I interviewed my great uncle Romeo, and to this day it was one of the most memorable school projects I had ever done. It was remarkable to hear his stories, so real and raw, that he rarely shared. I never forgot how much he opened up to me about something so deeply buried inside him.
4. Plant poppies, tulips or a tree in remembrance of someone that fought for our country.
5. Write a postcard for peace. There is a great idea outlined on the veterans affair website where children can write what they are grateful and appreciative for and have it sent to a veteran, I love this idea. (Find it and more at https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/get-involved/postcard-for-peace/teachers-guide).
The size of the gesture you make this Remembrance Day does not matter, that you remember and help your child to remember is what makes the difference. We want the future generations to continue to remember all that we have to be grateful for in this wonderful country.
