Parent Tips: Citizenship
By Julie Stevens
Well before rioters stormed the U. S. Capitol we understood that confidence in our democratic systems was under siege. Accusations from Donald Trump of elections“ rigged” by his opposition began in 2012 and continued through his candidacy and presidency. Vote recounts continue months after congressional certification of election results, testament to a refusal to accept— and desire to potentially disenfranchise— those who chose new leadership. As COVID-19 exposed the inequities of the U. S. public health infrastructure, thousands of protestors marched in response to the murder of George Floyd, questioning the legitimacy of institutions that failed to protect their most basic right to life and the due process that should undergird liberty. Images proliferated of the relatively few who destroyed property, a jarring indicator that despite our aspirations, the social contract that should unite us is tattered. Despite hope of bipartisanship, starkly different models for the pursuit of happiness remain entrenched. Regardless, parents can consciously foster the knowledge and skills essential for productive civic engagement, for the sake of all children and our country’ s future.
Given the cumulative effect of the state of our union, parents should be addressing kids’ safety and security concerns. While each family’ s approach will be determined by its unique identity, all adults can begin by remembering to listen carefully, especially to small voices, reinforcing that all deserve to be heard. Revisit the values that inform how you interact with each other and with fellow citizens. Prioritize respect and compassion. Turn off sensationalized news coverage— stressful for kids and adults! Reflect together on ways to help everyone in your community feel more safe and secure.
No space is apolitical— difficult political conversations are not only unavoidable, but vital. Parents can teach and model choosing language that avoids accusing, emphasizing perspective-taking and its close cousin, empathy. Counter the effect of politicallycharged media by relying on facts rather than fear or stereotyping. Practice civility, which Cassandra Dahnke of the Institute for Civility in Government defines as claiming and caring for one’ s identity, needs, and beliefs without degrading someone else’ s in the process. Help kids understand the power of using opening phrases like,“ I believe” or“ Have you thought about” instead of“ Anybody who” or“ Nobody should.”
Seek out age-appropriate books to explore our shared history, system of government, and current events. The Founding Fathers: Those Horse-Ridin’, Fiddle-Playin’, Book-Readin’, Gun- Totin’ Gentlemen Who Started America by Jonah Winter features lively illustrations that make it accessible to young children while appealing to all ages. I’ m Not Dying with You Tonight by Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal, rated by Common Sense Media for age 14 +, is a dramatic fictional account of two girls— one Black, one White— whose racial biases are exposed and
Page 32 Summer 2021 CSEE Connections