Kids and Politics

I have to confess that there are a lot of. . . more serious and political topics that have not entered our home as yet. This is due partially to the young ages of our kids now 8yrs, almost 6 and 9 months. Recent political events have really opened the doors to a lot of questions. They've heard a lot of unfamiliar things on TV and a LOAD of stuff at school. This week I've heard questions like, "Why does a coyote kidnap people?", "How many times did Obama vote in the government?", "Why do we have a sign that says Vote Yes on 201?". Words like "spread the wealth around" and others have poured out of my kids mouths while mine hung open knowing they heard all these things from other people. I had no idea kids talked so much about political things at school! So we delved in head first. Though their naivety is sweet they take to heart anything that adults, teachers or people of importance say.

So we had a huge talk or rather a bunch of little ones. First we talked about same sex marriage. Josh had never heard of any one being attracted to the same gender. Emily on the other hand, who I might remind you is in KINDERGARTEN, had heard of it. We talked about what it meant to "spread the wealth around." We even talked about socialized health care. This one really effects us. We have always paid oodles in health care. As nice as government provided insurance sounds for the average person, it actually makes it very difficult for people with extra medical needs to get the care they need. Specialized and extensive health care for kids like Josh, who requires a whole team of Cystic Fibrosis specialist, becomes not just more expensive, but extremely difficult to attain.

All in all it was a really wonderful experience. We taught them that they should always look at both sides of an issue. The next step is comparing the issues with what the Lord has said and then make their own decision. We also reminded them that not everyone is going to feel the same way about issues, but we should love everyone. Even people we love, teachers & adults may not feel the same, but we can always know for ourselves what is right through our Heavenly Father. He will help us to know truth.

In the end, Josh was really motivated to have his voice heard and vote online. I love to see his own motivation and patriotism!