These days, you literally can’t open your eyes without something being screamed at you about politics. Whatever side you fall on, there is rhetoric out there for and against your guys or gals. What happens when the kids say that? What do you do when their ideas are kooky? How much is too much to share? How much is enough? Watch for my answer and then share yours. Oh, and when you watch, try not to do what I did-fixate on m y old and wrinkly neck. Yikes.
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I also try to emphasize the importance of voting. That everyone tries to do their best for the nation and their community. … we just have different ideas for how to do this. Then, I try to explain the two parties and their basic platform. I do tell the kids that mommy and daddy have specific opinions because one party better funds our jobs. (My husband is a social worker and I work in health care regulation- you can guess the party.)
Trying to explain why the people they love support opposing parties is tough too! At least their parents can agree.;)
Good talky talk. In our house the news gets turned on as soon as husband comes home. Somehow the 6yo has become an avid Mitt fan. While I am trying not to sway my children either way (registered Independent for a reason), I refuse to let either child pick a candidate just because he/she has a “cool” name. I just asked him why else he liked Mr. Romney and he said, “He gives more people work!” So, yeah, we are going to talk more about it even though I might be stepping into something too thick to neatly step out of.
Too thick to step neatly out of indeed. I think that’s why I’ve been so quiet. I don’t want to sway their decisions so sharing any opinion is tough.