I like my kids to know what is going on in the world and know what is happening in Politics. It is their world, their country, and they should know what is happening. They will talk about elections in school and come home and talk about it with us. One thing I decided long ago, I will be politically neutral in front of my kids. I don’t think they even know much about Republican or Democratic parties.
I was at a family members house, and one of their kids said something about an upcoming election. This is something that no kid would say on their own, and I could tell it was exactly something that would come out of their parents (incredibly biased) mouthes. It made me sick. I want my kids to form their own opinions.
I am a liberal (as is my husband). Conservative liberal from “worldly” standards, but by the LDS community standards I am around most often, I am very liberal. Quite proud of that too! I like to be a “rebel.” Ha! I have a great group of more “liberal” LDS friends too. I never talk about politics or my opinions at church or activities. I don’t find that appropriate. If I hear others doing so, I tell them at official church activities, that is not a topic we should be discussing. I get incredibly annoyed when people make a political reference during church classes – huge pet peeve/annoyance of mine.
Around my kids, we talk about candidates in general terms. When we are researching and talking about candidates, we talk about their platforms, where they stand on issues, and what they want for the country. We will watch the debates (I will even take notes – informed “geeky” voter here!) Parties don’t matter. What they are like and the issues they stand for do. When you take away the dumb “political parties” and partisan politics, you can see what you really want in a candidate. Without the bias of society, news stations (we don’t have tv), and political bias, they are able to actually make a decision on who they would vote for on issues and stances alone. Wouldn’t the world be so much better if that were the case for everyone?!?!?
I never vote party lines. I have heard so many people say, “When I go in and vote, I just vote all down such and such side.” Ugh! Really?!?! People like that should not be allowed to vote. There is good and bad in both parties. It is our job to pick the best for the job, regardless of party. That is what we are trying to teach our kids. I don’t want them repeating partisan “crap” that I say or that others say. I want them to make informed and good decisions, even though they are still years away from voting.
During the last election cycle, my older kids really got into the presidential race. They even got to do a mock election. That really got them interested in and excited about politics, and it was then (and when I heard that family member) I decided I would not try to influence their thoughts on politics (there are more than enough people in the world trying to do that anyway).
Now if my kids decide to become Republicans, I may disown them… Ha! Just kidding (I may consider it for a second though…) I register as an independent, so I am hopeful, I will raise independent thinkers and not be tied to a certain party or way of thinking.
