Today Americans are casting their votes for the next president as well as other political offices. Many of us
have strong political
views. It is how we express these that is of importance to our children.
Teaching children civility in politics is like teaching them good
sportsmanship.
- In
politics as in sports, competition results in winners and losers. It is true
that how you play the game and how you respond whether you win or lose really
does matter - integrity, honor, and respect are important and demonstrate the
level of ones character.
- In politics as in sports,
players and supporters often put their hearts into the game. If your
candidate wins, don't rub it in to the losing candidate/team. Be sincere and
thank the losing candidate/team for their participation in the process.
- Remember what goes around comes around. There are term
limits and your candidate and/or party may hit the homerun after the next
election. I grew up hearing, "Everything is only temporary." No matter your
political affiliation, in the U.S., this is true.
- If your candidate/party loses, avoid showing anger and
storming around the home. As a parent, you are the role model in how to civilly
accept defeat. We all have a right to our opinions, though it is important to
consider the impact of your response on your children's perception of good
(poor) sportsmanship.
- We often teach children that name-calling is rude and
unkind. Yet, so many adults seem to forget this when it comes to sports and
politics. For example, in politics, some people refer to Romney as Vom-Mitt, and
to Obama as O-Bummer. (You likely have heard more such uncivil terms.) Avoid
using such terms to describe the presidential candidates, especially around your
children. Practice what you preach!
- If your party or candidate isn't successful in this election, don't make excuses or blame others in your political camp, outside your political camp, or the media.
Some additionaltips
for parents in teaching political
civility:
- Are
you connected with your children on Facebook? Be sure to remain civil in your
political posts. Set a good example for your children.
- Create an environment at home where your children feel
comfortable sharing their thoughts and opinions. Ask your children for their
opinions of the election and candidates. Discuss. Don't devalue. Rather explore.
Rather than saying, "That isn't true!" or "You're wrong!," or "That is stupid!,"
you could say, "tell me more about your thoughts."
- Create an environment at home where your children feel
comfortable asking questions. To do this, you must be open to hearing questions
and responding civilly and with an open mind about the "other side" or
"that party."
- Spend time together watching the election outcomes, the
political commentaries, and let them ask questions about the process. Ask your
children how they might have done things differently if they were the
candidates. Share with them how to respond to negative opinions and comments.
Discuss with your children that there is a difference between debating and being
uncivil.
- Be accepting if your child doesn't want to share who they
would be voting for if they had the opportunity to vote. Our U.S. voting system
is devised to keep privacy of votes (note the curtains, walls, and voting
"booths").
- Demonstrate respect by not talking negatively about friends, family, or coworkers who have a different political viewpoint than you have. While you may be wondering in your mind about the choices these individuals are making, "what in the world are they thinking!," this needn't be shared with or around your children.
Parents are critical role models for their children. How you do and don't respond to politics and the election has a huge impact on your children. A civil or uncivil impact is up to you!
