Moms Talk: Discussing Politics With Kids

Each week the Mentor Patch Moms Council answers a question on parenthood posed to them by readers or another member of council.

This week's question: Do your kids (or grandkids) ever ask you about politics? If so, what do you tell them?

Melanie Majikas:

Oh boy.

I am very involved in politics and political discussions. My girls have been made aware of politics (both candidates and issues such as levy campaigns) since they were very young-signs in our yard, discussions around the table, taking them with me when I vote.

I have one daughter who shows a strong interest in politics herself. My goal is to help them find accurate, factual information about the issues that affect our country, and let them form their own opinions.

If they ask, I will share my point of view, but I never claim that our house is for one party or the other. I do not share the political beliefs of other members of my own family and I think it's up to each individual to decide.

I think it's dangerous when we, as parents, simply complain about politicians and make remarks about them being "crooked" or liars or other negative remarks.

It disenfranchises people from the political process to assume that anything they do to make an impact will be hopeless.

It can certainly feel that way sometimes, but we are the government. We are our own leaders, and we need to be involved.

Jill Korsok:

We talk about politics in our house a lot.

My kids are aware of our views and they ask a lot of questions about why we do or do not support a particular issue or a candidate. They watch news shows with us when appropriate and it seems that they have a good grasp on current events, so a lot of their curiousity comes out of what they've seen or heard.

I'm a firm believer than an informed citizen is the best kind of citizen, no matter your political idealogy, so we're always respectful of their budding opinions, even if they don't match ours.

Mary Jo Stack:

Politics has always been a part of our dinner conversation.

I am a news junkie, so my kids can't help but pick up tidbits here and there. I really enjoy hearing my kids and their friends discussing politics and politicians. I am very impressed with what they know and the knowledge they have about the world around them.

Now at 16 and 17, we have many talks about politics. Glad to see them engaged and looking forward to my daughter voting for the first time this fall.