What one thing would you teach your child about politics?

Question

In my experience, today's youth has very little interest in the political process in the United States. I am aware that this is, of course, a generalization - but it is my experience. My question is this...for parents, what are you teaching your children about the politics of their nation? And for those who do not have children, what do you think would be important for children to learn?

I'm almost sorry I asked....

With the exception of a couple of considered answers, I would suggest that many of you should never speak with your children about politics. Your answers display that you are not teaching your children to be thinking individuals, but rather filling their heads with your own, personal views and hatreds. Sad...nothing will change in this country with that kind of mentality...

Answer 1

I brought my oldest to a GWB rally back in '04. We saw the president and Laura live and heard him speak! I vote in all elections, every May and November, and I usually bring my children along with me so they know that I feel it is important to do my civic duty. Usually, they ask, "who are you voting for..." so that leads to some discussion of issues. Other than that, we rarely talk about politics unless they ask. Kids need to be kids, and when the time comes, their political ideas will form. Right now, I am just leading by example. Mostly, I teach them that you have to hear all sides of an opinion, and form your own based on what you know to be true.

Answer 2

I teach my children that all people are equal (with respect to the value of their life and freedoms) and their freedom is to be respected, always. I also teach the value of earning money through one's own work. That no person has any legitimate claim on the money or work of any other person outside of the free market system. That only mean people forcefully takes things from others (i.e. advocates wealth redistribution).

Of course, I use more illustrative, simple, and wordy language for them to understand more easily and I split these ideas into much smaller concepts for ease of understanding.

Now as far as being politically active, I hope that you understand that there are very good reasons for the large scale voter disenfranchisement .. and they are founded in the fact that our democracy presents no good options or powers to our citizens. If there were good options and our vote really mattered, then people would actively participate. As it is, I am asked whether I want Bob or Joe to represent me. I look at both and dislike both equally. If I vote, I endorse a guy that I hate, so I wonder what would happen if I didn't vote. Government doesn't care because it simply takes the majority vote of those who did vote (most of whom are simply hoping to get the lesser of two evils into office).

Frankly, I only vote because I consider it my civic duty. I don't believe that the system (in its current state) will ever actually reflect the will of the people or consider my will with proper weight (registering my true views with respect to the entire citizen population). Much political reform is needed, but political equality, representation, and responsibility form the foundation for my teachings to my children and for the system which will bring merit to political participation.

Answer 3

One important thing that no one's mentioned yet is not to fall for partisan politics. The extremists, both on the right and left, have convinced a mind-numbing number of people that there's this incredible difference between democrats and republicans, that one is good and one is evil, and other such lies.

The success of such tactics can be seen on this board, where every other question is some brain-dead right winger asking "why does all lieberals hate Ammerica?" or a left-wing conspiracy theorist asking why Bush blew up the WTCs.

The two sides aren't as different as they like to pretend.
I'd tell my kid to take everything they hear from either side with a grain of salt... a BIG grain of salt. To try to figure out the answers on their own, rather than just being a parrot who buys into everything some talking head or tv stattion says.

Answer 4

We raised our son to be an independent thinker; to never hesitate to question things, concepts, ideas, etc.

He graduated 3rd in his class and was sought-after by the Navy's nuclear program.

He declined the Navy, and went on to become a Master Electrician, built his own company, and is now in the process of selling it to his partner.

From what we taught our son, he has exhibited exceptional intelligence; not being seduced or wooed by either major party, and never voting a "straight ticket."

Actually, I believe that he - like us - has had periods of total disenfranchisement with politics; becoming so disgusted with "the process" that he questioned whether participating in it really mattered.

And now, in his 30s, I can tell you a little bit about his political feelings.

He believes in personal responsibility, but he doesn't use it as an excuse to avoid helping others in need. He has plenty of $$ and he is not "tight" with it.

He owns guns, but he is not infatuated with them. They are but tools, and he knows how to use them, but he does not "worship" them.

So, like his parents, he is a mixture of liberalism and conservatism. He refuses and eschews labels.

I don't know whether he voted for Bush.

I do know that he hopes George's successor will be an improvement.

Answer 5

1.) Read the US Constitution. Just have them READ it.

2.) Turn off the television. Meaning the news. Let them watch Sponge Bob instead. It's more factual and less loaded.

3.) Ask them questions. You can teach children a lot by finding out how they think (and you can't teach them anything if you don't).

Sorry, you asked for 1. Nice answers, Liberals. Never again criticize Conservatives of brainwashing their kids.

Answer 6

My son, age 6, can recite (and understand) the Preamble to the Constitution and the "We hold these Truths" section of the Declaration. Those, along with the Bill of Rights should be all he ever needs to know about the government. Any politician who does not fully abide by all of the above does not deserve nor get my vote (or his when he is old enough).

Answer 7

The Government that surrounds us is pure graft, when a politician dies there son or daughter gets the job not by election thats chicago style.A s far as the president I want my daughter to choose the person she feel is right in her heart she's alot more of a softer person than I.My beliefs I won't pass on.One thing I do stipulate try in your life NEVER to depend on the GOVERNMENT.

Answer 8

If you wish to help your child understand to read effortlessly, not with TV and films, pc applications and programs, as well as the college process is the solution, the program, Children Learning Reading, from here https://tr.im/CcKOJ is.
For a kid to effectively learn and master examining skills they want regular attention from or both parents. With this in your mind, but, the lessons are kept small from 5 to fifteen minutes a day.
With Children Learning Reading system you may also construct and improve your connection with your youngster not merely how to read effectively.

Answer 9

-I had my son involved with me for the last Presidential campaign when he was 6 yrs old. I want him to know that there is a lot of work that goes into getting your candidate elected.
-My son always joins us when my husband and I vote. It is important to let him know the importance of doing so whenever he has the opportunity.
-One thing I have tried to talk to him about is making his own decisions. He asked friends in the last election who they would vote for if they could. They always gave a name and said it was because it was who their parent's like. I know right now youngsters look to their elders but I want him to know he must make his decisions based on his own feelings.
-Before you vote, consider international relations. I hear so many voters say they will vote for so and so because of welfare, abortion views, etc. In my opinion a world leader must first and foremost be able to communicate with the internaltional community, whether it is with allies or potential targets of war. I know it may sound uncaring, but really how important is it to get a President that strongly agrees with your pro-choice or pro-life stance if they can't get their thumb out of their bum hole to deal with someone like Iran or North Korea?
-Last, before going to that voting booth, read and read more. You need to know the stance of each person and the information on any other item you may be voting on.

dogsrspcl:
Sorry I could give you only one thumbs up on your response. It deserved more.

Answer 10

1. Every party propagandizes and uses available media outlets to disseminate a selective message to appeal to the broadest group.
2. Politics is about power.
3. Know them by their actions, NOT their words
4. Don't let them mess with the Constitution or Bill of Rights.



I would add as well, the average voter is rather easily led and will vote based upon sound bites. The average voter does not really know the issues, but will think they do if you propagandize effectively.



Matt C (below): your two statements are contradictory... which do you believe?