Introduction

Dear Tween Topics Reader,

The events of the past year have created a wave of patriotism that has swept the country and the
American spirit is rising to the challenge. Flags are being flown proudly from front porches, clothing items don the image of the flag and the national anthem can be heard being sung from little league baseball games to school concerts.

The American Family is the building block of our nation because it is where we nurture the individuals who must act within our society. As a parent, you need to take the opportunity to teach your tween citizenship and what it means to be a "good citizen."

Many parents wonder how this can be done. According to the Heritage Foundation, a non-profit group in Washington, D.C., parents can lead by example:

• Vote regularly and in an informed manner.
  
  
• Talk to your tween about what it means to be an American. Ask them what they have learned about America and tell them what freedom means to you.
  
  
• Be informed. Read the paper every day and talk to them about what is going on in the world.
  
  
• Get involved. Make your voice heard and your presence felt through professional organizations and civic groups.
  
  
• Volunteer - Don't rely on someone else to do what you should be doing as a good citizen.

It is through love, support, tolerance and caring, that family members are nurtured to be good human beings and then look beyond themselves to be good citizens.

Sincerely,

Penn State Cooperative Extension
Family and Consumer Science and 4-H Youth Development Agents

Credits

Editor:

Contributors:

This publication is distributed through Penn State Cooperative Extension. To learn more about extension educational programs and information available to you, contact the office in your county.

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