I’ve always thought that children should be encouraged to wear poppies just as proudly as adults do come November, but let’s face it – they’re just not that kid-friendly.  The straight pin is just too pokey (and sometimes just downright dangerous), and inevitably, they fall off within a half hour of being put on and get lost.

So while I taught at a school that encouraged all children, including my 2 full classes of Kindergarteners, to wear a poppy on the day of our Remembrance Day assembly, I had to figure out a better way.  Some teachers  wrapped scotch tape around the bottom of the pins, and I briefly experimented with replacing the straight pins with safety pins, but helping 40+ five year olds with either on an already busy day was just too much.  I needed something I could put together in advance and the kids could put on themselves… And that’s when I figured out this simple Remembrance Day poppy hack.

This morning, using my magnet method, I modified a poppy for Gracen to wear throughout the weekend.

Here’s what you need… A poppy, two small identical magnets (the stronger the better), a tiny embellishment of some sort (sequin, bead, pearl, button, etc.), and some glue (preferably something that will bond well to the slightly plasticky back side of the poppy… Hot glue can be used in a pinch, but a good craft glue will adhere better).

First, take apart the poppy.

Then, using just a tiny bit of glue, stick your embellishment onto the black centre piece of the flower.

Now, using a tad bit more glue, glue the black centre onto the main part of the poppy.

Depending on the type of glue you’re using, you may have to let the front side of the flower dry before flipping it over.  Once it’s dry, adhere one of your magnets onto the backside of the poppy with a generous amount of glue and allow it to dry completely.

When your little one is ready to wear the poppy, simply slide the second magnet  inside their shirt and place the flower on top. (Attaching the poppy to a shirt pocket or collar works well too.)

If your magnets are of good quality, the poppy should stay securely attached to your little one’s jacket without a problem also.

Of course this method is not suitable for young children who still put random objects in their mouths, but it’s perfect for older children and those who are completely done with the mouth stage.  As with all toys and accessories, supervision is key.

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