djohn78 writes:
They just think what Jon Stuart tells them to think!
For every Democrat who listens to Jon Stewart there's a GOP supporter who listens to Rush Limbaugh or crazy Glenn Beck... I don't think either end of the political spectrum has a lock on uninformed straight ticket voters.
I make it a point to talk to my kids about politics. I talk to them all the time about it. You won't hear one of them saying they're for Obama, and when they say they are for Romney, they'll all give you good reasons why. You must talk to them, listen to their views, and respect their opinions, all the while educating them on the reality of what is going on and why they live the lucky life they have. One of my kids is pro-gay marriage for example. Our recent discussion on that item started with me asking, "ok, so what on earth does that have to do with the presidential election and why do you think it is so important, given all the other reasons we need a new president?". It worked.
If your children are old enough to not be frightened by what is going on in the world, then I think you should discuss current events with them.
Politics is a nasty little game, but I think you should encourage older kids to think for themselves and form their own opinions. If opinions differ, you can discuss that, too.
Makk9 writes:
I make it a point to talk to my kids about politics. I talk to them all the time about it. You won't hear one of them saying they're for Obama, and when they say they are for Romney, they'll all give you good reasons why. You must talk to them, listen to their views, and respect their opinions, all the while educating them on the reality of what is going on and why they live the lucky life they have. One of my kids is pro-gay marriage for example. Our recent discussion on that item started with me asking, "ok, so what on earth does that have to do with the presidential election and why do you think it is so important, given all the other reasons we need a new president?". It worked.
Yeah, and because they're my kids...I pay for their car, college, cell phone, etc, I am strong with them on trying to get them to see things as I do. They laugh at me sometimes but then I notice they start thinking more like me, on their own. I think they tend to respect my passion towards it all and because they love me, they come around to what I have to say. You have to respect their right to have their own opinion, but you don't have to agree with them to try to make them happy. Stick to your guns and your kids will respect you more for it. Nothing is better than having a lively debate with young adults. They are great people if you get them off their cell phone and Facebook.
My husband and I both came from liberal thinking families. We are the lone conservatives. We have one liberal child and one conservative child. We have 2 grandchildren in college who are conservative and an 11 year old that is conservative leaning.
I know a lot of kids in college or just out of college and they know little about political leanings. I tell them all the same thing........learn what each party stands for and decide for yourself which party you agree the most with.
My daughter has been keeping track of the voting records of senators. She is very politically active and has firm beliefs and values. They are HER values, but we feel we may have influenced some of them, but not all.This is on top of taking 19 credits this semester and working part-time. I am very proud of her and how she can debate issues with knowledge she has gained from places other than television. I somehow see a future in politics for her, even though she says "no way". We are close to some people who are in politics and she sees the life they have, and that is a huge turn-off. Life can be ugly for politicians and their families.
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