One surefire way for children to learn our values is the political season. If you are following this year’s campaigning for the presidential election, you are aware of the strong feelings and history-making events that continue to unfold.
Your children are bound to take notice in some way, shape, or form. It could be your five-year-old quoting commercials or your seven-year-old counting bumper-stickers. Both have already occurred in my home. These are open doors to explain values and what the presidential election means to you.
Know that your children will learn by what you say and how you react whether it is intentional or unintentional. Strong feelings often cause strong reactions. Strong reactions cause curiosity from our children. They want to know what is going on.
So be intentional. If your kids overhear you make a comment about your political beliefs and ask a question, use this as teaching moment. Answer your child honestly and at an age appropriate level. When you talk about candidates, watch what you say and how you say it. Picture your children talking in school in the same manner. Is it how you would want them to speak to others?
It is important that there is passion when it comes to politics. It shows how much we care about our country and our communities. In the next 5-15 years (give or take) our kids will be voting and making political decisions. How will they make those decisions? Will they be based on knowledge of the issues, what they read, the debates? What you teach and model now really does stay with them.
