On election day David's pre-school teacher took my wife aside and was somewhat embarrassed: "I know your husband is voting the other way, so I just wanted to explain. The other kids were shouting 'John Kerry! John Kerry!' yesterday and David joined in. We weren't teaching him to do that. It was the other kids"
The pre-school held an election on Tuesday too! The kids got to vote for their choice of snack -- cheese and crackers vs. cupcakes and apples. The cupcakes won in a landslide, go figure.
On Wednesday David and a girl in his class were telling my wife about their election. The little girl also said that she voted for John Kerry. My wife looked at her sympathetically and acknowledged that George Bush won. "My mommy and daddy are sad", the little girl said. "Yes," my wife said, "but some mommies and daddies are happy".
Posted by Stefan Sharkansky at November 04, 2004 12:01 PMI would much rather have my kids learning about politics, elections, etc. than not. Their interest in and understanding of our system is the key thing. When they come of age politically, I want them to care, to vote, to listen critically to all sides, and to make up their own minds. Caring is the most important thing for now.
Posted by: Howard Hansen on November 4, 2004 02:31 PM