June is PRIDE month, which can be a whole lot of fun for the entire family. As we celebrate the lives of the LGBTQ+ community that has changed the world and inspired many, we should also take the time to help children understand and appreciate the community. Since so many of us are trapped indoors during this time, you have the perfect opportunity to frugally allow your kids to celebrate PRIDE month. From crafts to lessons on the subject, you might find that PRIDE month is one of the best times to help your children feel comfortable with themselves and those around them.
1. DIY Flag
The PRIDE flag is one of the best ways to show your support of the community. It also makes an incredibly fun craft to make for children of all ages. There are numerous ways you can make a PRIDE flag too, so you can work the craft into the schedule of any age group. If you’re working with younger kids, then you might consider using construction paper for the craft. Simply cut strips of colors and have kids glue them together. Then make a small pocket on the end by rolling the paper and gluing it. This will allow you to place a stick inside, so your child can carry it. Of course, this flag also works wonders in the window. If you’d like to teach older children how to sew then this is the perfect time to. Grab fabric of different colors and have kids cut them into strips and then sew them together. This type of flag can be hung up on a pole, in the window, on a bedroom wall, and so much more.
2. Melting Crayons
At this rate, you probably have a whole bunch of crayons around the house that you can utilize for this craft. If not, you might order a set of cheap crayons. To begin the craft, you need to figure out what design you would like to use if any. Once you have this picked out, simply print it out in black and white. You can even use the PRIDE letters if you’re just working on an image to support the community. Then, apply the graphic to the canvas and tape off the area. Finally, place the crayons at the top of the canvas and secure them. You can use a large rubber band, tape, or whatever else you choose. After you’re finished with setup the real fun begins. Simply tip the image right side up and hold a blow dryer over the top of the crayons. Using the highest setting will make this easier. Once you have the melting effect you desire, remove the crayons, and admire.
3. Work Sheets
If you really want to get down to business, then there are actually worksheets online that you can use to teach children about the LGBTQ+ community. You will find everything from coloring sheets to word searches. This is great busy work for kids who have nothing else going on, but it can also be a real asset when it comes to opening up conversations and helping children to understand what PRIDE is all about. You might even be able to find some good history worksheets that help children understand why we celebrate PRIDE month.
4. Rainbow Mask
In our new normal, face masks are a thing. So, if you really want to celebrate and boost PRIDE in the community, then making some rainbow-inspired masks will truly help you to show your support. Masks are very easy to make, so you might start by sewing them and then passing them out to kids to decorate. If you use white fabric in the masks, this will also make things much easier. Using fabric paint, kids can paint rainbows, special messages, and so much more. You can also color the straps if you choose to use white elastic. If you want to go a different route, then you might also consider using food coloring to dye the masks in rainbow colors.
5. Watch online Parades
The PRIDE parade is one of the most popular aspects of the month. There are parades all over the world, which makes it an exciting thing to take part in. However, this year, it isn’t exactly safe to go to a parade or participate in one, especially if you have children. Even if you wear a face mask, the lack of social distancing might be a risk to everyone. Luckily, many places will be hosting a parade online. For instance, you can watch the infamous San Francisco parade from the comfort of your home. Simply check around for more parades to view too, as you might be surprised how many pops up.
6. Enjoy PRIDE Media
Media can be one of the best ways to teach people about the world. Luckily for us, there is a ton of LGBTQ+ media for us to enjoy. When you’re teaching children about the LGBTQ+ community then there are so many colorful and age-appropriate books to choose from. This will make storytime fun and educational. You can probably find a book for every night of the week, or at least four to use each week in the month. There are also many forms of movies to check out too. Older children might also be curious about music from the LGBTQ+ community. Feel free to dive deep during this time, as purchasing media will also help to support the community.
7. Dress Like the Rainbow
For many kids, dressing up is one of the easiest ways to have some fun. So, during PRIDE month, you might make a game out of getting dressed. Kids can see how many colors of the rainbow they can incorporate into one outfit. This can be great for kids learning how to get dressed, but it is also a lot of fun to see how creative older kids can get. This is also a cost-efficient way to show off some pride as you won’t have to pay a cent for the fun.
8. Make Inclusive Tees
Making t-shirts can be a whole lot of fun, which is why this craft is a must for PRIDE month. Pick out some old shirts from your wardrobe or purchase a bulk pack of colored tees. From there, use fabric paint, dye, fabric markers, and more to create inclusive designs that everyone will get a kick out of. These designs can range anywhere from rainbows to messages that help support the LGBTQ+ community. These tees make great keepsakes too, which can be worn all year long to help support equal rights and a community that thrives.
9. Show Kids How to Be an Advocate
You can watch all the movies you want, read every book on the market, and attend a PRIDE parade every single year. However, the best thing you can do for the future is to teach your children how to be an advocate. The first step in doing this is to be an advocate yourself. Don’t just talk about it. Instead, donate money to LGBTQ+ charities, there are numerous to choose from. You can also choose to volunteer for organizations that deal with LGBTQ+ issues or those that directly support the community. Finally, teach children how to stand up to bullies and protect those that are being persecuted for being who they are. This will go a long way in their lives and will even help support your child’s self-esteem.
10. Teach Children to Listen
Right now, is the perfect time to teach children how to listen. There is so much going on in the world right now and the first step in healing is listening. However, there are many people that are incapable of listening because the skill wasn’t taught in childhood. So, you might take the time to teach your children to listen to others’ needs with an open heart and an open mind. This will greatly benefit your child in the future and will also help them to work harder to meet the needs of communities that need help. With any luck, this will help make the future a better place for everyone to live.
PRIDE month is a very special time that can help children to grow into stronger people while helping to build a stronger future. It is also a time to have a little fun. These ten ideas will keep the celebrations frugal and enjoyable for all ages, which will help make this PRIDE month memorable despite everyone having to stay in.
