photo credit: kevindooley
The Big Day has finally arrived! And I would be remiss not to offer Ten Parenting Tips for Election Day. It is important to teach our children about the democratic process in the United States of America – it is what makes our country so great. Many schools have been leading up to this day with debates, discussions, and mock elections. But ultimately parents have the most influence onteaching the kids about the power of the vote.
- Take your children with you to the voting booth – let them see the democratic process in action.
- If you haven’t already, discuss the pros and cons of both candidates. Stick to the facts and keep the emotions at bay.
- Discuss your choice of candidate with your children – who you are voting for and why. Keep it logical.
- Talk about the differences between the Republican and Democratic parties and why you would register with one or the other – or why you would choose to remain independent.
- Explain the Electoral College to them versus the popular vote.
- If the line is long, use this time to explain what to expect when it is your turn to complete your ballot.
- The presidential vote is the big ticket for today, but there are many lesser known local elections happening as well. Discuss the local candidates with the kids. Because it is about their state or town they may be able to relate better to the local contests.
- Hold a mock election at home. For older kids, you may stick with voting on the candidates. But for younger children vote on something that makes a difference to them. For example, hold a vote on what you will have for dinner tonight. Make them register and then have them cast a ballot. It will make the whole process more concrete to them.
- After you vote, reflect on the process with your kids and listen to what they thought of the whole thing.
- And follow through by monitoring the vote as the day goes on.
Finally, my final bit of parenting advice for this election day – since most kids have the day off – get them to help put away those Halloween decorations!
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