How can you have an impact on your child on Election Day? Teach them about the importance of voting through discussion and by example. Regardless of your politics, this election can serve as an important lesson for our children on voting. Young children and teenagers can learn much on the importance of their single vote. Have you talked to your children why it’s important to vote? Do they know that one vote can make a difference?
Schools may teach this to our children, but it needs to come from the home as well. It is much more powerful to a child when their parent explains to them that voting is a right as a United States citizen. It truly is a precious gift. Do your children know that not every country has a voting system? Do they know that “back in the day,” not everyone in this country had the right to vote? Maybe they’re older and do know these facts. Maybe they’ve had a mock Election Day at school or in class. Perhaps, you can have an open conversation with them about this. Consider asking them, ‘How would life be different if we couldn’t vote?’
Elections can also be a lesson in how State Referendums/Amendments are important. Do your teens know how each one could affect their State financially?
Consider taking your child with you to the polls. Talking to them about the process beforehand, followed by seeing the process can make a huge impression.
Most important of all, today is an opportunity to teach our children to respect each other. Do they know to respect each other’s different voting opinions? A child or teen may be impassioned regarding the election. Often, they think others are wrong because they view things differently than they or their family. You can teach them the value of healthy debate and respecting differing viewpoints.
This is just a small sampling of how you can expand your child and families experience regarding voting. Try it; you just might be enlightened by your own child.