First Graders Share Marriage Advice: Coffee, Costco, Puppies

When Kaylee Abernatha got engaged, she wanted her first grade students to be part of her special day in a meaningful way. So she asked them a simple question: what makes a good marriage?

Their answers stopped the internet in its tracks.

Abernatha handed out white cards with marriage advice prompts to her class. She helped with spelling, but the ideas and handwriting were all theirs. "I plan to have these on the guest tables as centerpieces so everyone can enjoy looking at them," she told Upworthy.

The responses revealed how closely these six and seven year olds watch the world around them. Brooklyn, age seven, suggested solving conflicts with rock, paper, scissors. Isla offered two pieces of wisdom: "Always dance and never yell" and "take deep breaths" to resolve disagreements.

Other students shared what they'd observed about love in their own families. Sylvie, age six, wrote that "true love is when someone tucks you into bed." Manny declared that married couples should "go to Costco" for fun, a suggestion that resonated with viewers whose parents have turned warehouse shopping into date night.

The practical advice kept coming. Wyatt noted that good husbands should "pick up the dog's poop." Henley warned the groom that his teacher "needs coffee and has to get her nails done" and suggested he "get Ms. Abernatha another puppy." Charlotte helpfully mentioned that the teacher is afraid of spiders.

Some responses showed traditional views shaped by what they see at home, while others were delightfully specific. Denton estimated a wedding needs "dress and cake, $67." Jace, age six, believed the most important thing about marriage is "you can get a new car."

Sunny's Take

Abernatha shared the cards in a three part video series that quickly went viral. "It really is the little things that mean the most and it's easy to forget that when life gets tough and problems become bigger than 'who stole who's crayon,'" she said.

Viewers found themselves unexpectedly emotional. One commenter wrote about crying over the child who said true love is tucking someone into bed, noting those parents probably make their child feel loved every night. Another viewer confirmed that their parents love Costco dates and just celebrated 51 years together.

Teachers and parents shared the videos, touched by how much the students notice about their beloved teacher and the world around them.

On June 13, wedding guests will read advice from seven year olds who already understand that love means taking deep breaths, dancing together, and maybe making a Costco run.