Celebrating Special People and Memories

As we move into the summer months, many holidays provide different types of opportunities to celebrate, honor, or remember the special people in our lives. From graduations, Father’s Day, and Pride Month to Memorial Day, Juneteenth, and Fourth of July, there are many opportunities to recognize moments and memories tied to important family members or friends.

 While store-bought cards and gifts are always nice, there are several other unique and intentional ways for you and your child to recognize people who have made a lasting impact on your lives.

 Here are a few ideas you can use to build connections with your child(ren):

 Share photos of the special people in your lives with children. Talk about what makes them special to you. It doesn’t have to be a parent or even a relative! Old photo albums can prompt meaningful conversations about memories from your past, too. Look for similarities between your child and the special person you are remembering.

 Call someone special and share a memory that stands out. Research shows that doing this can boost your emotional well-being. Hearing this type of communication is also important for your child to learn and understand the meaning of these emotions. It also models how to appreciate and invest in building healthy relationships.

 Laminate photos for your child to hold during stressful times, such as when they feel anxious or are falling asleep. These visuals help children feel comforted, secure, and loved.

 Sing songs, recite nursery rhymes, or read books about different types of families and loved ones. These activities help children understand that everyone is unique and special and always deserving of empathy and acceptance. Try these children’s books to spark good conversation:

• My Heart Fills With Happiness by Monique Gray Smith
• The Story of You by Dr. Linda Mayes, MD
• My Book of Animals: Big and Little by Liana James
• Bilal Cooks Daal by Aisha Saeed
• First Look Books: At Home by Anna W. Bardaus
• Hiking Day by Anne Rockwell
• Is Your Mama a Llama? by Deborah Guarino

Celebrate loved ones who have passed to ensure they remain an active part of your child’s memories and family story. In this case, healthychildren.org recommends creating a memory garden, framing a handwritten recipe or signature, or creating a sign with a favorite phrase to keep their memory alive. 

Make a meaningful work of art for someone special. One idea that works well for all ages is to create a collage. The simple craft will help your child express their creativity. It works well for a Father’s Day gift or a nice gesture for a father figure, uncle, grandfather, or male mentor.

Make your own with these simple steps:

1. Get some DIY inspiration by watching this video. Our sweet friend, Hallie (3), made a picture for her dad with a little guidance from her mom, Carly. Baby brother, Cooper, makes a special appearance, too!
   
   
2. Begin by collecting paper with different colors and textures, such as scrapbook paper, felt, tissue paper, and leftover gift wrap pieces. Stickers are always a fun choice, too!
   
   
3. Grab a couple more craft materials, including safety scissors and a glue stick.
   
   
4. Encourage your child to cut or tear the materials into different shapes and glue them onto paper in whatever order, shape, or pattern they’d like. 

• Younger children who can’t work independently can practice fine motor control by feeling and ripping paper for a sensory experience.
  
  
• Older children can add more elements, such as special photos, or add to the image by practicing their drawing or writing skills.

      5. Sign or address your work of art and share it!