Kids and Politics

October 9, 2008
carolee
About the kids, Life in general

With the presidential campaigns saturating our lives, it’s impossible not to take the opportunity (especially as homeschoolers) to talk to the kids about government and politics. It’s been interesting trying to explain certain things to 3, 5, and 7-year-olds. Some things are easier than others, but I’ve been doing my best to be “fair and balanced.”

A while back, Evan announced, “I would vote for McCain. Because I like his name better.”

I said, “Evan, that’s why they don’t let kids vote. Unfortunately, a lot of adults are going to make the same mistake. What if I gave you a choice between ‘dinner A’ and ‘dinner B’?”

Evan: “I want dinner A!”

Me: “But ‘dinner A’ is a plate full of dog poop.”

Liam: “What’s ‘dinner B’?”

Me: “Exactly. Don’t you want to know what you’re really voting on before you make a decision?”

Liam: “Well, what do McCain and Obama want to do with our country?”

Now that’s a question that’s a little harder to answer.

1 Comment

One Response

  1. carolee  •  October 9, 2008 @8:59 am

    On the way to the MyGym this morning, Liam was tallying yard signs (Obama:9, McCain:5). I was still trying to answer the question about what the candidates want to do with our country and explaining the difference between Republicans and Democrats. As we approached the Mygym, I warned the kids that politics can be a touchy subject, and that they should probably refrain from grilling the MyGym staff about who they’re voting for, etc.
    Liam: “Well, I think I know Ms. Carmen would probably vote for Obama anyway.”
    Me: “Why do you think that?”
    Liam: “Because she cares about kids and helping people.”

    Well, OK then.