This blog is about homeschool politics. More clearly, about discussing politics with your homeschooler.
We think about our children’s futures all the time. The election cycle brings thoughts like what politicians will build for your kids’ future, how policies are shaping their futures, and what changes now will effect our children as they get older. Your child may not be thinking about their future as much as you are but it is still important to ask them about their thoughts on their future. Your questions can range from “what they want to be when they grow up” to “what they think the future will look like in 10 years” and everything in between. These conversations can be a lot of fun! Questions, like the ones we mentioned above, encourage your child to think about not only their future, but the future of their world. This is an important teaching and learning moment.
Get them thinking
As we mentioned above, we want to get your kids thinking! So many movies and games play with the idea of what the future will look like. Hover cars, gadgets, talking homes and more influence your child’s idea of progression. What are they learning? What are their expectations?
The Ultimate Question
You’ve probably already heard your kid say “When I grow up I want to be a….”. This is a common statement from the mouth of babes. Your child is already absorbing so much of their environment and observing so many people that they can determine what they want to do when they get older. As you ask them in more detail about their future plans you can also teach them about what it would take to get where they want to be, what they can expect in their future, what kind of school will be required, etc. Most of the information you give them, if not all, will be new to them.
Fit in the Politicians
During your discussions about the future you can circle the conversation back to government and politics. Government policies are a huge influence on all of our future – but do our children know that? If your kid could have anything 5 years from now, what would they want? Invite your kids to watch the debates with you and use the event to encourage this critical thinking exercise.
