Our Monthly Tip: Go Fly A Kite!

Colorful kites fill the sky with handwritten messages for the departed.

Our Tip of the Month:

Why not fly a kite at your memorial service? Children (or anyone) can attach a special message to the departed and send it up into the heavens. The colorful spectacle can fill the sky, as well as hearts, with color and awe. Kite flying is a great alternative to releasing balloons, which can be hazardous to wildlife and the environment.

Flying a kite is a very mindful activity that may even help to reduce stress. When you fly a kite, you create a reason to look up into the sky on a bright and beautiful day. It takes a small amount of physical activity to get the kite into the air. Running can release endorphins, uplifting hormones that fill our brain when we exercise. This is a feel-good bonus.

How-To Suggestions:

Buying the kites: You can buy a kite of any size or shape at a local toy store, department store or online. Delta kites are single-line kites and the easiest type to fly for anyone. Perhaps you might choose some in your loved one’s favorite colors. Various themes, styles, or patterns are also available including birds, flowers, butterflies, unicorns and rainbows. Small plastic one-time use kites are an inexpensive option if you plan to provide them to all your guests (not just the children). However, you might choose to buy higher quality kites if you would like to offer them as a special keepsake to be enjoyed again.

Preparing the kites: Supply a strip of colored paper where children (and guests of any age) can write special messages to their loved one. Tie the strip of paper to the tail of the kite with colored ribbon or string. Be sure it is secured well. If you are crafty and adventurous, there are several tutorials available on how to make your own kite. Once you decide on a pattern, you could provide guests with materials to build their own kite.

Flying a kite is a pleasurable activity that can reduce stress and ease the pain of grief for children and adults

Flying the kites: Choose an area free of wires, trees or other hazards to fly a kite. A beach or shoreline can be ideal as there is usually a breeze to help the kite to rise. There should be enough open space to run freely to give the kites some starting wind beneath. Adults may assist smaller children in launching their kites into the air.

Alternative idea: If space, weather or time poses an issue, these small stringless kites can make a great alternative to traditional style kites. They are blank, so messages or pictures can be drawn upon the kite itself. They are easy for children to use and can be launched over and over into the sky for continued enjoyment.