This is a great chance for parents to talk about our country to their kids. (If you are not sure how or what to say, my free e-book, The Patriot Parent: Still the Best Hope for America is a place to start. It is available from http://www.parentsrulewithpat.com)
Regardless of why they are more cynical, I am glad they are. Is it because they are conservative and didn't win? Or is it because they voted for change that they now do not believe in? I can't tell you. What I can say is that this can be a good sign for our country.
I talked to many young people before the last election and many were swept away by the emotion of needing change in this country. When I asked them what kind of change they wanted and what the candidates had to offer, they could not verbalize it. Frankly, I was disappointed.
Parents, this is a chance to make our country better! How?
- Tell your kids to be cynical, but keep voting. If they stop voting there is no chance of any change in what is going on in Washington in both parties.
- Help talk them through what they believe needs to change. Help them verbalize their thoughts and the reasons why they believe that way.
- Teach them how to research issues and candidates in order to vote for the person who best represents their ideals.
- Learn together about the history of our country and of the political parties--you may learn some things that will surprise you.
- Assure them that candidates will let them down. After all, they are campaigning on their ideals also and the reality is that not everything they promise can be delivered.
- Teach them, though, that the only way to create change of any significance is at the ballot box. Always cast an informed vote in every election--federal, state, and local.
- Teach them by your actions. Get involved and let your vote make a difference.
So, to say the young people are cynical is great news. That is the first step toward being a powerful voter.
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