Memorial Day 2016: How Parents Can Help Kids Understand Memorial Day’s Serious Purpose

The way America celebrates Memorial Day has changed throughout the years. At present, the U.S. Federal holiday, which falls every last Monday of May, has turned into an occasion that signifies the start of summer. More than that, Memorial Day has evolved into a great holiday that evokes family barbecues, trips and shopping.

As the whole America celebrates Memorial Day 2016, parents should not forget to remind their kids that the festive holiday comes with a serious purpose. Some parents have already forgotten to teach their kids that Memorial Day is observed to honor the men and women in the military who sacrificed their lives for the country.

But the idea that Memorial Day 2016 is about death and war can be very confusing to kids especially that their perception of the holiday is about merrymaking. So how can parents help kids understand the serious purpose of Memorial Day 2016? How can they celebrate Memorial Day 2016 in a meaningful way?

Initiate A Conversation Before Taking A Moment Of Silence On Memorial Day 2016

According to Julie Marie Rahm, author of "Military Kids Speak," parents can help kids understand the serious purpose of Memorial Day 2016 by allocating a moment of silence during the family's celebration of the holiday. But before doing so, Rahm suggested that parents should initiate a short conversation with kids and let them understand that the purpose of the moment is to honor the fallen heroes.

Give Kids Tangible Experiences On Memorial Day 2016

Parents can also help their kids understand the serious purpose of Memorial Day 2016 by taking them to places and activities that will help them discover the real meaning of the holiday. A local Memorial Day parade would be a great learning experience for kids. There is also a long list of national cemeteries that hold services on Memorial Day 2016. Taking your kids to one of these cemeteries would bring them closer to the real purpose of the holiday.

Let Kids Read Books About Memorial Day

You can find so many interesting Memorial Day books that are created just for children. Letting your kids read Memorial Day books is a wonderful way of introducing the holiday's serious purpose without straining their minds about death and war.

How can parents help kids understand the serious purpose of Memorial Day 2016? Share your thoughts below.