why do we have to say the pledge of allegiance?

is what Jacob asked me today.

I tried to explain why America is a good place to live vs. other countries, why we should be grateful that we're here. Then I asked why he didn't like the pledge. He said "It's just a bunch of words I don't understand." And he's right! I thought about it, and realized that at this age it's just rote memorization. They need to be taught what it means, and then asked to say it.

I just told him to say it the best it could, and if he didn't say it all that's okay with me, but to be respectful of the time when they're saying it.

[DCJenn]

Re: why do we have to say the pledge of allegiance?

Did you give him the "under God" part of the Liberal Parent's Education Manual?

Jenn

[peggyfromwastate]

Re: why do we have to say the pledge of allegiance?

I think you'll love this :

Isabel says: And to the Republicans for which it stands...

[GrayMatterWife]

Re: why do we have to say the pledge of allegiance?

When I was in preschool, I thought the country was run by a witch.

" . . .and to the Republic, for which [witch] it stands . . ."

I swear, I was so confused about where Rosalynn Carter's pointed black hat was...

Re: why do we have to say the pledge of allegiance?

There are some great children's books out there that go over each phrase in kid language. Of course I can't remember any titles off the top of my head, but I'm sure Amazon would point you in the right direction...