On the Campaign Trail...when to start?

I've been contemplating the best time to start teaching my girls about politics. We just returned from Mt. Rushmore and the idea of a President is fresh in my girls' minds.

There was a cute article in Family Fun about a family that celebrates each election (local or federal) by having their own election...for dinner! They break down the dinner into different categories (such as main dish, salad, vegetable, drink, and dessert). Everyone gets to nominate one for each category (a week ahead) and they are on the list to debate throughout the week. The day before, everyone votes on what they want (the little ones can point) and on election day, the meal is served. Sometimes everyone knows the winner, sometimes it's a surprise at dinner.

I've taken notice this election even more than usual. I always do my homework, read all the issues and be sure that the person I'm voting for represents most of my beliefs. This election is more difficult to watch because I have seen and heard people supporting Obama who truly don't even know what he stands for. Of course, it's hard to figure out considering he has pretty much negated everything he's said from one speech to another.

What bothers me most, though, is that people will literally fall for a buzzword of "Change." I hate to say it, but not all change is good! His charismatic nature has drawn many in without any real education about the issues.

If you really want to learn more, with excerpts from his actual words he's written and said, look HERE
"..I ceased to advertise my mother's race at the age of twelve or thirteen when I began to suspect that by doing so I was ingratiating myself to whites..." pg xiv
10. OBAMA SAYS BLACK NATIONALISM - A STEADY ATTACK ON THE WHITE RACE - WOULD BE JUSTIFIED IF IT COULD DELIVER

Michelle Obama says things that are so opposing as well:
"We don't pull them out of their world," Obama says. "Our kids thrive on stability and consistency, and they like their routine." How she relaxes. She takes her daughters to soccer, tennis, swimming and play dates. "That tends to relax me," she says. "I'm usually doing it with other moms who have been friends, and we gossip and catch up and watch the kids play."

IN CONTRAST TO

That means I get up in the morning, I get the girls ready, I get them off, I go and do trips, I'm home before bedtime. So the girls know that I was gone somewhere, but they don't care. They just know that I was at home to tuck them in at night, and it keeps them grounded, and, and children, the children in our country have to know that they come first.

Sorry, Michelle, but I heard the interview where both you and Barack commented that your kids don't care where you are as long as you tuck them in at night. Great example.


So my advice about teaching the election to little ones? Go over the basics and teach them how to discern what someone SAYS versus what they actually DO.