Election Day 2012
A sign of autumn is election time. Ads are in full-force on the television. Yard signs and bumper stickers endorse various candidates. Mailboxes are flooded with political mailings. Emotions can run high in families and between friends. The whole process can be confusing for children.
In discussing the upcoming election with your kids, take into account the age and developmental stage of your children. Young children need to feel secure, so stick to the facts. Keep heated discussions to a minimum.
As a constitutional republic, we as citizens of the United States of America have the privilege to vote to choose our elected officials. Children learn by doing, so hold a mock election at home allowing kids to vote. Let your children choose a movie, pizza, or book for bedtime by voting to see how the process works on a tiny scale. Use ballots with pictures for little children and secret ballots for youngsters.
Election time provides an opportunity to discuss your values and why you would vote for a specific candidate. With older children, talk about political platforms and whose ideas for the future of the nation make that particular candidate your choice. Be fact checkers. Do campaign promises, track records, and plans for the future of our nation add up to truth or fiction?
Read about elections as well. Two children’s books I recommend for laying the groundwork for the upcoming election are Woodrow for President: A Tail of Voting, Campaigns, and Elections Barnes & Barnes and Clifford for President by Figueroa & Lapadula.
Finally, take your children with you when you vote on Election Day!
The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Romans 13:1b
© 2012 Becky Danielson. All rights reserved.
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