Happy post-fourth of July! These age-appropriate questions come from our July newsletter. Take some time this week to explore what independence means to your children, and your family.

2-7 Years Old:

• What kinds of things do you like to do by yourself? What kinds of things do you like to do with others?
• When you are old enough to make dinner all by yourself for the family, what would you make for everybody? What would you make for yourself? (And read what ten-year-old “chef” Nate has to say about cooking for his family!)
• What one thing do you do now that you need an adult for but would like to try to do all by yourself?

8-13 Years Old:

• What does it mean to be independent? Can you be independent, but also rely on others?
• Think of a character from a movie or a TV show who demonstrates independence. How do his or her actions demonstrate the quality of independence? How does s/he also rely on others for help? (Some suggestions for characters your kids might know: Harry Potter, Katniss Everdeen, Dora or Diego)
• What does the 4th of July mean to you?  Do you have any particular traditions associated with this day?  Do they have anything to do with independence? Also, is there any food or activity you’d like to add to your celebration?

14-100 Years Old:

• What do we gain and lose from doing things ourselves versus doing things with others? Do you prefer to work with others, or work alone? Why?
• Think about the American Revolution (or “War for Independence”) and compare it to other struggles around the world (historical and current) for independence. What are some similarities and differences?
• Looking back on your life so far, talk about a time when you exercised your independence—perhaps going against what others believed or wanted for you. What was that like? Would you do it all over again?

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