It seems that Calvin has taken quite an interest in the current political scene- not that I blame him. This election (like most) is interesting and exciting. Mitt Romney, a good leader and a Mormon, is running for president. For those of us that are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, this has brought a lot of attention to our faith and practices. I like that. My friends and neighbors ask me a lot more questions about the church than they did two years ago. On the flip side, President Obama is up for re-election. The election four years ago was also exciting and groundbreaking. It felt good to be an American that year. So many people sharing their opinions and actually trying to get out and vote and let their voices be heard (even though with the electoral college I never really feel like my voice is hear, but that is another post). Our family also lives in an interesting place, politically. Portland in general is very liberal, Oregon as a state is fairly conservative, and our little town right outside of Portland is a very big mix. Not to mention that our religious community is considered to be conservative and members of that community often make assumptions about our political leanings, which doesn't bother me very much.
That being said, Calvin came home from scouts a few weeks ago spouting quite a bit of political talk. He gave me all sorts of information about why taxes are bad and what each political candidate is going to do and what our current president has failed to do, etc, etc. I have thought a lot about what the best way is to respond to these thoughts. I believe that Calvin should choose his political candidate on his own. He has that right even if he doesn't get the opportunity to vote yet. He needs to learn how to take information and make a decision about what he learns. I don't want him to feel like he needs to do what David and I do and sometimes David and I even disagree about where we fall politically (gasp!). However, I am so surprised about all of this information that Calvin's peer group seems to be sharing with him. He came home from school with more political opinions and wanted me to confirm his new found beliefs. I just couldn't do it though!
I know that it is wrong to vote for someone just because they belong to the same church that I do. We each need to learn about the candidates and the issues and we need to seek guidance on the best candidate. And even then, we may disagree! I also had to have a chat with him on why it is important to pay taxes. Our taxes take care of us, they fund things that protect us and they try to take care of those who can't take care of themselves. I'm not saying that people don't abuse the system and that our system is without faults, but I just couldn't bear for Calvin to grow up thinking that taxes are bad. To me it feels similar to saying that giving charitably is bad or paying tithing is bad. I also want Calvin to ask lots and lots of questions. I hope that he learns to listen to what people are saying and then do the research. There is so much misinformation out there and I am not sure how comfortable I feel about Calvin's political knowledge coming from a group of 8 year old boys:)
So my question is this...In your homes do your kids follow your political leanings? Do you encourage that or do you "pick sides"? How do you keep the fervor from getting overheated and people from getting their feelings hurt if you do not agree with them?
Will I ever figure this out? Probably not.
9 comments:
I pretty much echoed my parents' politics - until I went away to college. And then my mom lamented that I'd changed - and in some ways she didn't think it had been for the better. I think it's important to share your views with your children - and to help them to evaluate the information they get from others.
That said, rest assured that his beliefs will go through many changes as he grows - thank goodness!
I think as parents we can hopefully teach our children to respect others. Four years ago I heard some pretty rude things (about presidential candidates) coming out of little kids mouths when I helped at the school.
Most of these kids were repeating what they heard at home. Hopefully we can teach our kids through example.
I am sure you and David will help Calvin share his views in a respectful manner!
Chandler is a big Obama man. I think it might have something to do with his first name and that he likes it. That first name being "Rock." I mean, that's a cool name! Rock Obama! Chandler watched the whole debate last night and came away sure he had made the right decision. Rock is the guy for the job. I figure they must be talking about it lots at school, and asked who Mr. P will be voting for to see if maybe that was why he was SO hyped on Rock, but he said Mr. P says you keep it a secret who you vote for and he doesn't have to tell. :) I think it's fun that they're so interested!
Matt and I have very different views on some subjects, and similar ones on others. Generally I learn left and he leans right. Our kids aren't old enough to care yet, or maybe it's their personalities, but I think I will start talking about political issues more with them especially since they are in school. Last night after the debate I checked Twitter and Facebook on my phone and found it so interesting that the people I follow on Twitter were almost all lefties and the people I follow on Facebook were the opposite.
Sometimes I feel a little awkward about political discussions, especially when it turns to mudslinging. I hate that. I can't stand people flinging personal insults at either Obama or Romney.
And honestly, I wish we'd talk about state reps more. Based on the debate last night it appeared that Romney was leaning way more toward the center than he was during the primaries. He and Obama still differ fundamentally on issues that I think are VERY important like taxes and military spending, but how different will they _really_ be? Congress and the Senate are such important decision makers, yet during a presidential election they get a little lost in the crowd.
It's kind of fun to live in a battleground state (VA). I'm not sure who Matt is voting for but I have a sneaking suspicion we will cancel each other's votes out. I definitely am going with the liberal congressional and senate candidates in VA--maybe that will make a difference in the long term. I like to tell myself that anyway!
Your post was the most refreshing political viewpoint I have seen all year.
I think your plan to encourage the gathering AND filtering of information - from BOTH sides - is the most important take away that kiddos should have. Critical thinking skills will be important to them not only politically, but personally and professionally.
Love me some Calvin!
nice post. i think you are doing a good job by acknowledging what he has heard and listening and then explaining. that's great that he is so curious! in my class election in 2nd grade i remember voting for george h bush over bill clinton and being sad when he lost. but i think in my mind it made the most sense that he should be the right candidate, because he was a nice-looking old man who had already been in the job. of COURSE he needed to be voted back in! haha. anyway, i bring that up because it's cool that calvin is actually learning about some pretty complicated things early on.
also, amen to eliza's comment about state reps. no one is blaming THEM for any of the hold-ups going on...
Great post and great comments. Of course no matter how disappointing some political discourse may become, apathy would be even more disappointing.
Just looking at the half full glass....
I love that Calvin!!! He's such a little gentleman! As for politics, my kids haven't picked up on taxes or religion;). (As a matter of fact, I'm pretty sure Big Son doesn't know that Romney is Mormon!). The boys love Obama because he's from Hawaii and he looks like their uncle(the Uncle who ironically a diehard Republican!). I don't talk politics with my kids, because like both Mitt and Obama, I flip-flop! hhahhaha (what can I say, I'm a flip-flop kinda girl!).
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