It’s Election Day 2024 and I was so excited to be on FOX 5 San Diego this week talking about why parents should engage their children in the voting process and how to do that at home!
I was interviewed by the lovely Shally Zomorodi on the Morning News and we discussed creative ways to teach your children about voting, how to inspire them to be future voters, the importance of the election, and that their voice and vote matters! They may be too young to vote today, but there are ways to get our children excited about the election and voting in the future.
Here are the questions I was asked during the interview and more elaborate answers that I didn’t have time to say during the segment.
WHAT AGE SHOULD YOU START DISCUSSING ELECTIONS WITH YOUR KIDS?
My answer to this is typically, as early as you can. I am all about prevention and early intervention, so as early as you can normalize anything in a child’s life to set them up for a successful future, I am all about starting early. I took my toddler-aged daughter to the polls with me for the first time when she was just 3-years-old. This was partly because I had no other childcare that day, but I am glad I was able to engage her in the process. Any age is helpful for exposure. When the next Presidental election came around in 2020, she really started to understand more about what the election and voting really meant.
According to Census.gov, The voter registration rate was (69.1%) for the 2022 congressional election was the highest registration rate of a midterm election in 30 years, so teaching children about the importance of voting is crucial for the future of our communities and country.
HOW SHOULD CONVERSATIONS CHANGE AS KIDS GET OLDER?
As children get older, I think a good place to start is asking them what it looks like to be a good leader. They may not understand some of the issues, but by leaning on the family values you have been implementing, they can get a good idea of the type of candidate they want to represent their hometown or their country. Giving children a voice provides them a sense of duty, honor, and pride.
You can also practice their critical thinking, decision making, and problem solving skills and give them scenarios to think about on both sides of each coin. For example, you can ask them, “Do you think school lunches should be free to students? Why or why not?” Have them come up with the pros and cons of various issues and come up with opinions, questions, concerns, and a conclusion on what they would say if they had a say. This exercise will help prepare them for later in life when they have to vote on challenging issues.
WHAT CAN WE DO TO GET OUR KIDS INTERESTED IN VOTING?
We can empower them use their voice and vote on things at home. Have them vote on what to have for dinner on Friday night, where you go that weekend for family day, or what movie they want to watch for family movie night. This will teach kids that they have a voice and that voice is heard, honored, and respected. What they think and say matters!
Before the election, you can also read them some age appropriate books about voting and the election process. There are multiple ones online including some Curious George and Dr. Seuss books for the younger readers.
You can also have them watch how the votes play out on election night. Order a pizza, pop some popcorn, and make it a positive experience for them, as they watch the election unfold on television as a family.
CAN WE TAKE OUR KIDS TO THE POLLING PLACE?
Yes!!!! They can watch you role modeling your exercise to vote, that you are practicing your right to vote, that you are being a good citizen, and that you care about what happens to your community and country. Teach them what the process of voting looks like and have them experience it with you. But don’t forget to get them a sticker!!!! They will be excited to be a part of the process and wear it proudly!
HOW DOES OUR OWN PREFERENCES PLAY INTO TEACHING OUR KIDS?
Our kids are always watching and listening. Everything we say and do are being taken in and absorbed like a sponge. They will express their loyalty to us by preaching the same message we are saying at home to their peers and teachers at school.
WATCH THE FULL NEWS SEGMENT HERE!
https://fox5sandiego.com/video/inspiring-future-voters/10188387
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