As my daughter burst into the kitchen, her face lit up with enthusiasm after school, she excitedly shared her decision: she was going to run for president of her fifth-grade class. As she spoke about her ideas, using terms like “campaign” and “platform,” I felt an overwhelming sense of pride. My partner and I believe in the importance of voting and local engagement, so witnessing her dive into the world of politics was a joyful moment.
My own perspective on politics was shaped in a household where discussions about elections and governance were commonplace. My father, a devoted conservative, and my mother, a passionate liberal, often engaged in spirited debates around the dinner table. I grew up listening to my father express his views on social issues while my mother encouraged me to recite the names of prominent political figures at a young age. I fondly remember watching news programs with political commentary, which became part of my routine. Even today, I often ask my mother about the latest Congressional races, as she knows the details better than I know my favorite TV shows.
Over the years, I have grappled with my political views, thanks in large part to my parents’ open discussions. Their approach taught me how to articulate my opinions confidently. Even though my father is no longer with us, I can still hear his encouraging voice as I advocate for my beliefs. They not only enlightened me about the mechanics of government but also emphasized the importance of considering multiple perspectives. Now, as my children approach voting age, I’m committed to helping them discover their own political identities, even if their views diverge from mine.
My children are already experiencing the same vibrant discussions that shaped my upbringing. My partner and I come from different political backgrounds, leading to engaging debates about our candidates and ideologies. While our discussions can become passionate, we prioritize factual information and reasoned arguments to demonstrate to our kids that respectful discourse is vital in selecting effective leaders. By expressing our views clearly and addressing their questions, we aim to nurture thoughtful, engaged citizens who care about their community.
Discussing politics with children goes beyond merely debating at the dinner table. Kids learn through action and observation, and we strive to embody our values. We make it a point to take our children to the polls with us, showing them how voting works during local and national elections. We also introduce them to local representatives at community events, explaining the roles these officials play in our town. Having served on various community boards, I cherish not only the process but also the sense of responsibility that comes with it.
Our children have observed me speak at school board meetings and advocate for teachers during contract negotiations. They’ve seen me lead PTA meetings and contribute to our neighborhood association. Throughout these experiences, I have always emphasized that their voices matter, no matter how small they might feel. When my daughter announced her candidacy, I was thrilled to help her strategize and develop her platform. I eagerly took on the role of her campaign manager.
Children are naturally curious about their government and leaders. They seek safety and security, and as parents, we must guide them without instilling fear or negativity. Our role is to teach them the significance of civic duty and the power of voting. We should explain how the electoral college functions instead of resorting to one-sided criticisms of candidates. Conversations about checks and balances, civic responsibilities, and the essence of democracy are crucial.
We should be cultivating hope, not animosity. My daughter is running for class president, and as her campaign manager, we’ve had meaningful discussions about integrity and keeping promises. When brainstorming campaign slogans, she simply smiled and said she wanted to be “the good choice” for her classmates, hoping her underdog status would resonate with her peers. Regardless of the outcome of her election on November 8 (the same day as a significant national election), I am proud of the honest platform she is presenting and the foundation we’ve established for her civic engagement.
I still think she should have considered my slogan: “Vote for me, because my mom already declared I won!”
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Summary:
This article discusses the importance of fostering political awareness in children through active engagement, open discussions, and leading by example. The author shares personal experiences and emphasizes the need to cultivate civic duty and respectful discourse, ensuring that children develop their own political identities.