Today is Election Day all around the country. While there are a few interesting races in my city, I’m most interested in how the governors’ races in Virginia and New Jersey and the Congressional race in New York will turn out because they may give some indication as to where we’re headed as a country.
Nevertheless, Election Day is a great opportunity to talk with and get kids involved in the political process. It’s important that they do since the world we create today is ultimately the world they inherit tomorrow. We love politics in our house. We discuss issues with them and often ask their opinions about matters. Here are a few tips to help your kids learn about what’s going on with them:
1. Take them to the polls. I usually take my kids to the polls with me. This is a great opportunity for them to see democracy at work. Take them into the ballot box with you and show them how to vote.
2. Read the newspaper. Every morning during breakfast we do current events in my house. Usually the week before an election, the papers are filled with information about the upcoming elections. So will be the case after the election. Use the stories as an opportunity to read to your kids or have them read to you and discuss what the stories are about. Ask them to express their views or pose some questions to them about the races and hear their answers. I often will have them write about what they read or ask them a question and have them write an answer. This allows them the opportunity to reflect.
3. Watch the results. Pull out the popcorn, sit down with your kids and watch the results as they come in. I usually make a big deal out of it. This, well maybe the popcorn really, usually gets the kids excited and it’s the opportunity for them to see the ultimate results of everything we’ve discussed with respect to the election.
What ways do you get your kids involved in politics?
1 comments:
One thing I will always remember is my father teaching me the importance of voting by repeating what was on a billboard every election day: "Vote and the choice is yours. Don't vote and the choice is theirs. Register, or you have no choice." He always mentioned that we had no right to complain if we did not participate in the process. He doesn't even remember that, but it's funny what memories stay with you.
I haven't drilled that mantra into my son's head yet, but I do have him thinking about politics already. Even though we spent more time during the presidential election talking about it, I want him to understand that he needs to be concerned and exercise his right during every election. My parents voted in every election and also took us with them.
You have mentioned some good ideas that I will incorporate. I usually ask a series of questions over a period of time (since he thinks I ask too many questions). They include:
1. How would you vote and why?
2. Do you think the issue is important (or is it even a political issue)?
3. Do you think it's an issue that the people should vote on or should the legislature decide?
4. Why are you getting upset with opponents that disagree?
These conversations usually result from a news program. I include the last question because my son often gets upset when someone disagrees with him. President Obama is a good example of how to handle opponents, even when they are being disrespectful. Kids today do not often know how to handle their anger. It's okay to disagree. You don't always have to respond or debate with someone.
I like the idea of writing a paper because he can then ponder his thoughts. Current events at breakfast--I have to laugh because one thing I avoided in college was a discussion about current events with journalism majors or law students!
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