Do your children ask you about politics? Do you try to influence their political views?

[begin_within]

I don't have any children, but I'm just wondering how those of you with kids handle this.

[redqueen]

1. I try not to do so directly.

I teach them priorities, values, etc.

When they ask, which is rarely, I explain my thoughts and reasoning. However, for anyone who lives by the golden rule, it's not rocket science to land on the left side of the fence.

[footinmouth]

8. My sons are grown now

My husband is a lapsed Republican and I'm a Democrat and I tried very hard to encourage them to do their own research and decide for themselves. They always knew who I was voting for and my reasons, but I still encouraged them to think for themselves. I guess hubby wasn't a very good steward for the Republicans since one son is a registered Democrat, the other registered as an Independent. All 4 of us vote straight Democrat for everything that matters.

[Midlodemocrat]

2. I tell mine flat out that Republicans are soulless bastards.

Series. I do.

[MrMickeysMom]

18. Really?

I wonder if this opens up any dialogue, or they have labeled all republicans already. I never met my husbands parents, who were 1950's to 1960's They died young) republicans who shared many values that I do. I introduced their grandson, my step son, when he was a teenager into questioning all things political, but not specifically down any party line. He is pretty balanced, as I'd expect him to be in his late 30's. I like having them question and figure it out, personally.

[Midlodemocrat]

24. To each his own.

I'd rather be sure of three more progressives in the world.

[MrMickeysMom]

25. I guess it depends how you define "progressive"-

I always thought the progressive, and/or liberal mindset was one that employed a STUDY what came out of every person's mind (or keyboard) and THEN formed an opinion.

True, most Republicans don't seem to USE that mindset... that's all.

[Bonobo]

3. You will influence them whether you are honest with yourself or not about doing so.

I am honest with myself and honest with my kids. I tell them flat out that the Republicans are fucking rats and that the Bush admin are evil, soul-blighted demons that have their own time-share in Hell.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

4. yes and yes.

It's my duty as a mother to raise compassionate, loving, politically-active citizens.

:)

[ThomWV]

5. All children are not kids. My son (30) and I talk politics all the time, grandchildren too

Because even the young ones, and maybe especially the young ones, need to understand that we live in a world they can not only inform but sway and that it is not only their pleasure but their duty to do so.

[tabatha]

6. indirect influence

The political views of my only child were formed without any influence by me. But I think one's general attitude, values, etc do play a part. If honesty and fair play are values embraced by a child, then this current crop of republicans stand no chance - because their lies and lack of empathy are obvious.

[elehhhhna]

7. Yes & yes, also.

My 11 y/o asked last night why Congress hasn't done anything to Bush, "Isn't he a criminal? Didn't they catch him lying?". Not sure how to answer that.

[xmas74]

9. I'm a single parent

so my daughter and I are always a package set. I attend Girl Scout meetings, choir and swim practice with her while she attends political meetings with me.

In 2004 she drew pictures and hung them on the walls at our local campaign headquarters. She knew who we supported and informed everyone.

She knows how I feel about some subjects. I've taught her that everyone deserves to have a decent place to live, food to eat and the opportunity to go to the doctor. She knows that everyone deserves the chance at an education and that, if two adults love each other, they should be allowed to marry.

Like I said, just very basic things. As she gets older we'll discuss things in detail.

[in_cog_ni_to]

10. NOPE. He never asks about my politics.

He KNOWS how I feel.:evilgrin:

[Justyce]

11. Yes, most definitely. She not only knows

we're democrats, but she knows in full detail WHY we're democrats and enjoys arguing the facts with her uninformed friends with republican parents. It amazes me just how much she knows -- much more than I did at her age.

[blondeatlast]

12. My son is aware of politics (he's 10). He knows he's following a long line of yellow dogs

but I've let him know that he's free to choose for himself (my husband is an Indie that leans pretty far left--he registered Dem, though). He even knows what a yellow dog is!

In other words, son is a Democrat (lol)... :bounce:

[Marrah_G]

13. My kids pay attention

They have been raised with c-span and lots of news ( print and video ). Talk radio in the car gives time to discuss the days news.

My daughter is currently working on gathering stories from WW2 vets before they die and in Sept she attended her first peace rally. She is 17 and cannot wait to be able to vote in the 2008 election. She is already making plans to hear her favorite candidate speak in NH. She is planning to become a high school teacher and always follows current events both here and across the world. Genocide is a particul area of interest to her, from the past (Germany) and the present (Sudan).

They all attended Kerry Rallies in 04.

I suppose I have some influence, as all parents do, in shaping how their children see the world around them. Do you teach them the world revolves around them, or do you teach them that they have the responsibility to be an active member of the community they belong to. I would guess that I have influenced their politics in the same way I have influenced their views on racism, bigotry, civil right, etc.

I think I've rambled way past the original questions.

[Neurotica]

14. We talk about politics all the time -- I tell them it's important to ask questions

and to be informed. I also advise them to read everything they can and form their own opinions, understanding the inherenet biases of many news sources.

We talk about the general philosophies of the political parties. I explain who I'm voting for in local elections and why. My children always go with me to vote so that they can see how important it is to exercise that right. Just this fall we reviewed the local election results so that they could see that indeed every vote counts.

Dinner time is frequently the time for discussion. We talk about the actions of the current administration, and I explain why I believe that poor decisions have been made. We talk about things going on in this country, as well as events worldwide. They know that if they ask a question I will answer it. If I don't know the answer we will try to find the answer together.

I have also brought my children to school board meetings where I have spoken out about certain policies. They know the work I do in our community and they understand why it is important.

I definitely try to influence their views, through actions as well as words.

They (naturally) view themselves as Democrats. My younger son already says that he wants to be president some day (as well as an orinthologist...)!

[Frustratedlady]

15. My children and grandchildren are adults, for the most part.

I show them what is going on, but I don't have to influence them. They are already so angry at this administration, and are afraid for their future and the future of their children.

Only one branch is diehard Republican and we don't discuss politics before them. All I can do is hope they will see this administration for what it is.

I will say that I can guarantee ALL members of my family will be voting.

[Nite Owl]

16. My sons are both in their 20's

now but growing up they most certainly knew how my husband and I both felt about Republicans! We always tried to point out the inconsistency and amorality of conservative thinking. They are both liberals now, one a dem, one an Independent because the dems aren't liberal enough for him.

Back in '92 when Clinton was running against Bush the first they put their allowances together and sent it to him with a letter. Clinton wrote them back and sent them an autographed photo.

[fed-up]

17. I gave my then 13YO son a copy of "Addicted to War" in 2001 he later used it to

make his sign for the Anti-war protest in San Francisco in 2002 or was it 2003. He also started researching issues online so he could back his arguments on his various gaming chatboards.

"Addicted to War" was the best resource ever to begin the political education process with my son.

[davsand]

19. We talk about politics and we teach by example.

We preach involvement and action. Our ten year old chooses to volunteer for a local health care consumer group during her summer vacation (she loves going to the office with her dad rather than spending time with a sitter) and we take her with us when we go to political stuff. Our kid has been involved in campaigns and Labor events with us from day one. She "met" Sen Durbin for the first time when she was 6 weeks old and has pretty much grown up with local political figures as part of her life. She has met Obama and his wife (has pictures to prove it!) and was on the floor of the IL Senate during voting this last summer with her pal Mike (an Illinois Senator.)

We try and explain to her why we do what we do, and we try and make it a point to explain that not everyone shares our views.

This year she asked me to contact UNICEF and request collection boxes so she could Trick or Treat for UNICEF. I did, and they sent ten boxes. She took the rest of the boxes to school to see if any of her classmates wanted to participate too. She talked to her teacher, and they organized the class to collect spare change at school for UNICEF. They sent a note home with all the kids in the elementary school, asking for any spare change for UNICEF.

Those kids raised over $175 in one day by working together. I am very proud of her for that one...

We have talked about the fact that she needs to form her own opinions about this stuff--that just because Mom and Dad are supporting some candidate that doesn't make it a mandate. Literally, she watched while her father and I worked opposing sides in a Senate Primary (I am happy to say that Obama won that particular primary!) and she understands up close and personal that just because you have a different view it doesn't make you stupid or evil--it just means you disagree.

Just my take on the subject.



Laura

[Burma Jones]

20. My Kids have asked and we do influence their views

They're still young, so we mostly try to influence their views by making sure that they are well educated. If they're well educated enough, they will likely reject the Republican point of view. They have no Republican relatives except an Uncle in Texas that they see about once every five years. We live in an extremely Democratic area. They have been taught to despise the Chimp, not only through the wife and I, but also by their Aunts, Uncles and Cousins as well as the neighborhood kids.

Parents instill values in their Kids, whether they mean to or not.

[LeftyMom]

21. Not really, but he's six. He laughs at Bush because "he's stupid and he says words wrong."

That's about the extent of his political awareness.

[JVS]

22. I'd tell them that the ruling class are all good friends and that our opinions matter very little

[sjdnb]

23. Yes and yes

I have five, ages 12 - 30. Involved all of them in many of the campaigns and political activities I've been involved in. I believe their political education is as important as their academic one. But, I do like to think I'm a pretty logical, objective, person and try to point out hypocrisy and 'truthiness' no matter where it comes from.