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I was listening to a group of children discussing the campaign and heard one child explain that he didn’t understand why people were making such a big deal over who would win the race for the White House when obviously it would be the candidate who ran the fastest. Another said she would like to run in that race someday because they seem to have a lot of campaign parties.
I tried to encourage the conversation by asking who they thought a good running mate might be and was told, “Someone fun like Hannah Montana. That would be the Best of Both Worlds.” At least she was diplomatic.
Most adults feel inundated with campaign advertisements, political phone calls, fliers, debates, polls and confusing reports on who said what before they actually said something else the day before someone wore lipstick. It is easy to see why people are undecided about which candidate offers the best outcome for different political issues. So imagine how confusing it must be to kids who wonder why the candidates argue with each other more than kids themselves do.
For many youngsters, this is the first presidential election they will have gone through, will remember or be interested in. Because it will be another four years before this experience comes along again, it is a great time to include your children in the electoral process while discussing the issues you think are important.
A great start is to educate your kids on how a president is elected and what all the political terms mean. There are a few of us adults who could use a refresher on the lingo as well. Many Web sites exist that explain in kid-friendly, unbiased language how the United States elects a president and outline the backbone of the government. A great source is www.bensguide.gpo.gov.
Teach your kids what it means to live in a democratic nation, why we get to vote, the struggle it took for all citizens to earn this right and the importance of recognizing and exercising it.
Be sure to emphasize that while people may not agree with each other when discussing campaign issues, it is OK to disagree. Remind your kids that disagreeing does not mean other people are wrong or ignorant, but simply expressing their individualism and different opinions. Kind of like when kids dress in weird clothes and try to argue about everything you say.
Next, get your kids involved. Ask them to research fun facts about the candidates and make up trivia questions to discuss together. There are many Web sites that can help them gather information, including www.cyberbee.com. Smaller kids can make signs or cut banners for their favorite candidate. Why not look to Spongebob for help? Even Nickelodeon is into the campaign and has a Kid’s Pick the President Web page. Visit www.nick.com to watch videos, play interactive election games and answer trivia that will help kids better understand and learn about the candidates.
Ask your children what issues they think are important to your family. After they realize neither candidate is campaigning for cheaper iTunes prices, kids may pick a different topic such as gas prices or education. Next, have each child research how the candidates stand on that one issue and discuss it over dinner. Covering each candidate’s stance on all issues would be lengthy, confusing and overwhelming, so picking just one topic is a good start.
Kids are amazing debaters. Have them exercise their skills by engaging in a debate over electoral issues with a sibling or parent. Presenting both sides may bring fresh perspectives or considerations to the table and help solidify your own decision on the topic.
Elections are just around the corner, and then the campaigning and ads will be gone for another few years (woohoo!). Even if you are growing weary of the election, take the opportunity to educate and involve kids in the process. After all, it’s their future, too.
I’m Ann-Marie Berg, and I approve this message.
Ann-Marie Berg is a pediatric nurse practitioner and freelance writer whose work appears in other newspapers. She can be reached at amhberg@mchsi.com.
