As my daughter burst into the kitchen after school, her face beaming with excitement, she declared her intention to run for president of her seventh-grade class. Using terms like “platform” and “campaign,” she had me beaming with pride. My partner and I are staunch advocates for voting and local engagement, so witnessing our daughter step into the political arena was thrilling.
My own political perspective was molded early on by parents who made civic engagement a regular topic at home. My father, a steadfast conservative, and my mother, a passionate liberal, never hesitated to share their views during dinner. I grew up hearing my dad’s spirited debates about taxes while my mom taught me to recognize political figures like “Bill Clinton” before I could even spell my name. I fondly recall watching news programs with my family, where I absorbed the ins and outs of politics, ultimately shaping my own beliefs.
As my children edge closer to voting age, I’m committed to helping them discover their own political voices, irrespective of whether their views align with mine. My partner and I, who are on opposite sides of the political spectrum, engage in lively debates about candidates and policies. We aim to model respectful discourse and ensure our conversations remain fact-based, illustrating to our children that constructive dialogue is vital in selecting a leader.
Discussing politics with kids goes beyond mere arguments at the dinner table. Children learn best through experiences and examples. We prioritize taking our kids to the polls, explaining how voting works during local and national elections. We introduce them to local representatives at community events, showcasing the roles these officials play in our lives. My partner and I have both served on various boards, and while I enjoyed the thrill of the decision-making process, I also appreciated the power of holding the gavel.
Our children have witnessed me advocate for issues at town meetings and support teachers during negotiations. They’ve seen me lead PTA meetings and participate in neighborhood associations, reinforcing the idea that every voice counts, no matter how small. When my daughter announced her candidacy with genuine enthusiasm, I eagerly volunteered to help her craft her campaign strategy — I proudly took on the role of her campaign manager.
Kids are naturally curious about their country and its leaders. They seek safety and understanding, and as parents, our goal is not to instill fear or propagate negativity. Instead, we should educate them on civic responsibilities and the importance of voting. We ought to clarify complex concepts like the electoral college rather than spreading misinformation about disliked candidates. We should delve into the intricacies of checks and balances and the essence of democracy.
We should inspire hope, not hatred.
As my daughter embarks on her journey to become class president, we’ve engaged in discussions about her campaign platform. We’ve talked about the importance of integrity and following through on promises. When brainstorming campaign slogans, she simply beamed and said she wanted to be “the good candidate” of the race, hoping her underdog status would resonate with her peers. Regardless of the election’s outcome on November 8 (yes, the same day as that other important election), I’m proud to see her enter the political fray with honesty and enthusiasm, laying the groundwork for her civic engagement.
And I still think she should’ve gone with my slogan: “Vote for me, because my mom already told the internet I won!”
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