I am a reasonably politically aware person—I don’t know everything that is going on, but I do try to peruse the New York Times a few times a week and keep up on local happenings. I’ve been known to attend a rally, vigil, or protest in my day (and “my day” is still continuing, I’ll have you know). As my kids have been growing up, I have included them in political discussions and shared my views and process with them—but I have always expected and intended that they would form political opinions on their own.
I am not someone who is quick to make a decision either about many things. While I have some general guiding personal values that influence my politics and I have become more politically passionate about some things as I’ve gotten older, I also find I learn constantly and some of my opinions shift—which I think is a good thing. As a parent, however, it is interesting to have created an environment where my kids are also open to explore, discuss, debate, and share evolving political opinions. I’ve gotten over wanting them to be just like me (well, I’ve almost gotten over it); I still invite them to go to events with me and I’m willing to share my point of view, but I understand that they might have ones of their own too.
So, as the election year unfolds and issues are lingering in our state and on a federal level, the conversations around the dinner and the breakfast table are becoming longer and more detailed. I have to admit that I’m actually learning all sorts of things from my kids and their opinions—since they have been raised to be aware and realize that they have a part to play—it is great watching that start to take hold in their teenage personalities.
Also: Discussing Politics with Your Kids
Home and Family–Get Out and Vote