We Want To Hear from You

  Chriss and Myrna don't want How to Raise An American just to be a book.  We are thinking about starting a movement here!   And we hope you will be part of it.   So let us know your ideas and tips on how you are raising your young American.  We want to know how you share our country's history  with your kids.   What have been the best trips you've taken with the kids to interesting historic sites?  What have been the most meaningful discussions you've had with the kids about our country?  Are there some craft projects you do with the kids they have liked especially?  Do you have some favorite All-American books, movies or websites?       Please share your insights and experiences in helping to develop patriotism in the next generation.  We want to hear from you!

Comments

[ESTERBarrera33]

If you want to buy a house, you would have to get the credit loans. Moreover, my sister usually uses a secured loan, which occurs to be the most fast.

[Pam Goodman]

My kids grew up going to Mt.Vernon Washington's family home about once every year or two. We live an hour and a half away.
We never treated it like a History Lesson, we let the exhibits generate questions and discussion. We always took a picnic lunch and stopped at one of the picnic areas along the river on Mt.Vernon Drive, then finished up with icecreams at the outdoor eatery on our way out. My boys always loved running around on the big grassy hill in front of the Piazza. Weekdays when the kids are off school are best, but weekends are nice too.

[Jay McBride]

I feel certain that your book and intentions are noble, however, why not teach parents to raise descent and compassionate human beings. Teach our kids to respect and accept other traditions and cultures. When we finally get rid of racism and prejudice we will find the pride of being an American. We have a long way to go. Could your book be creating a wider divide among peoples?

[Liz Steier]

What a great book. Thank you! On page 107 you refer to America's "Star Spangled Songbook". It sounds like a CD of songs but is it an actual book of songs? I've tried to google it but cannot find it. Could you provide me with more information on it?

[Myrna]

So you think the book is funny? Well, I think someone who does not want to raise his children to love this country is rather sad. But thanks for sharing your opinion.

[Myrna]

Sorry you think the movie list focuses too much on war but remember it is our soldiers who have guaranteed that we live in country where we can so freely express our opinions. You do remember World War II

[Concerned]

I am concerned with the movie list in this book and what a focus there is on war. I wish America would become a truly great country by engaging in the peace it falsely proclaims to love. Perhaps a better way to be truly an american patriot is to condemn rather than glorify the killing of others. I suppose this comment will be disregarded as liberal insanity. Peace-- what a stupid crazy idea.

[Brooklyn]

I love what a laugh this book gave me and my colleagues when one of them brought it in. We couldn't believe how clever and funny some of the assertions and suggestions were. How brilliant! This is one of the best sati... wait I'm sorry, what? Oh, it's not a satire? Oh how sad.

[Al Leann]

I take the time to make sure my kids know how to determine truth on the basis of evidence and to resist tyranny of any stripe.

I want them to be global thinkers free of dichotomous thinking and susceptibility to "groupthink."

I want my child to be a fully informed individual and not a half-formed nitwit who needs to cling to "rah rah" cheerleading of poorly understood principles.

[lori]

Visit historical places on vacations! Every American should visit, preferably as a child, and again as an adult: The White House, the US Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, the Smithsonian, the National Archives, Frauncis Tavern, Liberty Hall, Mt. Vernon, Monticello, Gettysburg + at least FOUR other Civil War battlefields, At least FIVE Revolutionary War sites (Bunker Hill, Ft. Ticonderoga, Princeton, Monmouth, etc.) Ft. McHenry, Plymouth Rock, Old North Church, Salem MA, a living history park that focuses on AMERICAN history (e.g., Mystic CT, Colonial Williamsburg, Conner Prairie), Greenfield Village in Dearborn... This is JUST a beginning--there is so MUCH to see and DO to learn about this GREAT COUNTRY!!! Why spend seven days courting skin cancer on the beach?

[Holly Ahern]

I have been collecting state quarters and am now having my grandchildren help me to put them in collecter folders. We take time to learn the state capitals and historical facts about each state as we do this; we have also taken time to learn about the Philadelphia and Denver mints.

[John Schmidt]

My songs for the troops and America
great for kids to listen to
My daughter sings back up on the song
Please advise if you can use my songs or link to site
God Bless
John Schmidt

[Jim LaVern]

Ya, this is great. I mean, the US is a great country and we should tell out youth why it's so great. I'm very proud of my father's side of the fammily who immigrated from Ireland in the 1600s, and I'm also proud of my mother's side who came here from South America in the 1960s. Why have people from all over the world been coming to America for centuries? Because it's so great! the OPPORTUNITY! America wouldn't be a nation of immigrants with out it's great ideals of freedom and justice.

[Joni]

We've always told our daughters that the USA is the best country in the world. Also, they came with us when we voted. 2006 was my oldest's first election. She was upset that Santorum lost, but the election inspired her to become more involved!

[Jason]

A few ideas: The Constitution Center in Philadelphia is a must see. Order some orignial Boston Tea Party Tea, which is still available. Start a Founding Father scrapbook.