Celebrating Independence Day, much like many other holidays,

The Toddler Years

The sheer joy on your child’s face lit up by the spark of the fireworks is a sight that you will, as a parent, never forget. But let’s face it, the 4th of July at this stage can be exhausting. It’s hot. It’s sweaty. It’s sparklers and smoke bombs. It’s late nights and early morning grumpy kids.

But experiencing the day through your baby’s wide eyes is truly priceless. Their sense of awe and wonder is contagious and revitalizes your own love for the holiday.

The Elementary School/Pre-Teen Years

“Ahh…my sparkler went out. Can I have another one?”

“Do another one! Do another firework!!”

“Can I light it? Can I do one?”

This stage is the epitome of work. It’s standing in a firework-laden wall tent prepared to drop major coins on a moment that will last approximately 4.3seconds. It’s running from sidewalk to street and back again, all the while trying not to blow anyone up. It’s sweeping firework debris off the street and pretending you didn’t actually burn through asphalt.

But it’s also a precious point in raising your kids where celebrating takes a turn towards

The Teen Years

“Okay, but my friend wants me to hang out with her family.”

“Can’t I maybe do both? Stay here for a little bit and then meet up with my friends?”

This stage is less about the *boom* and *crack* of the fireworks and more about the push and pull of burgeoning independence. The struggle can be real in keeping your kids engaged in family time and even the lure of blowing things up doesn’t always entice.

But it is also a time when you begin getting to know your kids as people. Celebrating the holiday with your teens takes on a newer meaning, carries a newer purpose.

This year has been a banner one for this family.