Insight into a juvenile mind

Published on October 27, 2004 By dharmagrl In Politics

I went to my son's 4th grade TaG class today to talk about immigration. Somehow the discussion got perverted and we ended up talking about the election and the candidates.

Thye asked me who I would vote for (if I got a citizenship and could vote). When i said "Bush" the room erupted in cheers and hollers of "Yeah!!" and "whoo hoo!".

I asked them why they were applauding. The responses were, I thought, a good insight into the thoughts of America's future voters...kids who will be eligible to vote in the 2012 election.

The general consensus was that John Kerry "lies". I asked then if they thought that Bush lied too...they said no, they didn't think that he did. One little girl commented that "Bush is a Christian". I asked her if she thought that Kerry was a Christian too, and she said she didn't know, but that he was "wanting to let gay people get married so probably not" Another boy said that Bush "probably does lie, but it's not about important stuff".

I asked them what they thought the differences would be if Kerry became president. One kid said that his folks wouldn't have as much money because "Mr Kerry is going to raise taxes"; another said that he was scared his dad would lose his job (this school is on a military installation), and someone else said that they hoped Kerry did get elected, because then his dad would get to come home from Iraq and we wouldn't be at war anymore.

We talked about the debates...they all seemed to think that the candidates were tough on each other.."brutal", "mean" and "snippy"...one kid said "you could tell they didn't like each other from the way they were laying into each other".

I'm going back on Monday, and we're going to talk some more about the election and the election process. I'll let you know what they have to say....

Comments

Texas Wahine

on Oct 27, 2004

This is a very interesting article, dharma. It's amazing to listen to a child talk about "grown up" things like politics. It sounds as if many of the children in your son's class have parents that discuss politics at the dinner table.

Most of them seem to be repeating things that adults have said about the candidates.

I am curious what your thoughts are on discussion politics with children . . . have you talked to your kids about the election? If so, have you guided them with your opinions or remained neutral? What age do you think is appropriate for beginning such dialog with children?

Excellent post.

dharmagrl

on Oct 27, 2004

It sounds as if many of the children in your son's class have parents that discuss politics at the dinner table

Exactly! I asked them how they could conclude that Kerry was lying - they said they read it in the papers, saw it on TV or heard it from mom and dad.

I've talked with my kids about the election. I'm trying not to cloud their judgement and bias them, so I'm having them read and research things themselves. So far, one of them is leaning towards the republican way of thinking, and one is pro-Democrat (although she doesn't care for Kerry much). My goal is to give them all the facts and let them make up their own minds.

I don't know that there is a specific age at which it's appropriate to start talking with kids about politics. I think that, for the most part, parents know when kids are ready, and it's usually when they start asking questions. My Jake, for example, isn't ready. He's just not interested. He knows that next week the people of the US will elect a president, and he knows who's in the running..but he hasn't expressed an interest in why, or even in who's going to be the better man for the job.

What about you? Have you talked to your kids about it?

Texas Wahine

on Oct 27, 2004

My goal is to give them all the facts and let them make up their own minds.

I think that's terrific.

It seems like that's true for most things of consequence when it comes to parenting.

What about you? Have you talked to your kids about it?

My seven year old is very pro-Bush, generally out of awe and respect for the position of President (they have been studying Presidents in his class), and because he doesn't really understand the complexity of it all, he supports the person that is already President.

I think his simple view of it is so sweet and innocent, and I don't know that I want to complicate things for him. As you know, I'm not a Bush fan, but I don't think it's really helpful for me to say bad things about the person that my son really only knows as THE PRESIDENT (in booming voice!) . . . I'd rather him not be disillusioned and mistrustful of the government just yet.

He's got plenty of time to be disappointed when he's older.

I also would like for him to figure out where he stands on things without me telling him what he should believe. I think the way you are handling it is really so great. And of course, my four year old has no clue. Which is beautiful!

Nadeon

on Oct 27, 2004

Out of the mouth of babes! Great article.

dharmagrl

on Oct 27, 2004

As you know, I'm not a Bush fan, but I don't think it's really helpful for me to say bad things about the person that my son really only knows as THE PRESIDENT (in booming voice!) . . . I'd rather him not be disillusioned and mistrustful of the government just yet.

That's awesome......if only everyone could parent their kids with that kind of respect! That's why I try not to say too much about things political when the kids are around..I'm afraid I'll cloud their judgement. I want them to understand the political process first...the corruption can come later!

Nader - thanks! I found it very telling.....

lifehappens

on Oct 27, 2004

Great post. I think it's great that your kids are exposed to the political process at a young age. I like that they have a naive, simple understanding of the issues, but are learning about how it works and learning how to choose between candadates. I am appalled at the number of people that tell me that they don't know who to vote for and don't know the issues and don't care to find out....You guys are doing a great job preparing the next generation!

Myrrander

on Oct 27, 2004

Good posts, I enjoy the interesting things my students tell me during convos like that.

dharmagrl

on Oct 27, 2004

You guys are doing a great job preparing the next generation

Thanks...it's no just my kids, all the kids in davey's class are really quite well informed about the political process. I need your mailing address, btw...

Myrr: I envy you sometimes. Being in the classroom, observing kids make connections, doing what i did today...it must be great!

Spc Nobody Special

on Oct 27, 2004

Watch the kids, according to an NPR story I heard awhile back, they've picked the winner of the presidential race correctly in the polls for the last umpteen (yes, umpteen) years. And this year, they favor bush across the nation at around 65 - 70 percent depending.

historyishere

on Oct 28, 2004

I still trust the Washington Redskins test instead... its been right since 1936... 17 consecutive elections. I miss the youthful enthusiasm for politics I once had.

Welcome Guest! Please take the time to register with us.
There are many great features available to you once you register, including:

Richer content, access to many features that are disabled for guests like commenting on the forums.
Access to a great community, with a massive database of many, many areas of interest.
Access to contests & subscription offers like exclusive emails.
It's simple, and FREE!