I have never been a huge fan of people taking their kids with to campaign or demonstrate. I'm also all in favor of providing opportunities for kids to think for themselves, and to make their own choices. My own parents raised me in a very apolitical way (I still do not really know where they stand politically, although I know many of their principles).
My kids had problems falling asleep last night, because they were so excited about the US election result. Because I was, and it catches. My kids today painted little American flags in celebration of Obama's victory, and wore them on their t-shirts. My idea. My eldest (6) has been fully brainwashed to think that Obama is for making the life of poor people better, and Romney wanted to keep rich people rich.
Is it a balanced, informed and independent view that they hold? At the ages of 6.5 and 4.5 (the 1.5 year old does not yet voice any political views). Of course not. It is brainwashing pure by us. Mainly because we have followed the election so closely ourselves, and have talked about it a lot, and don't see a reason to hide this from the kids. It's fascinating stuff!
What is scary is how easily these young kids accept our opinions, catch onto our political passion. Sure, they may and will rebel when they get older. But it makes me think about those kids who get raised in right-wing extremist surroundings. Or any radical surroundings.
Am I being a tolerant parent?
No comments:
Post a Comment