Practicing Politics

When it comes to connecting with your kids, don’t leave out current events. You may think texting, video games or mindless scrolling are your child’s preferred mental rhythm – but you may be wrong.

In some recent polling, close to 80% of teens communicated their belief that the outcome of an election would change their lives, that those in positions of influence don’t really care what young people have to say, and that their ideas and contribution could make a difference in the world. It turns out, teens consider social and political issues important and relevant. They may just lack the platform to share their thoughtful input.

For us, the dinner table is a consistent place to practice conversation. Navigating the soft skills of listening with authentic curiosity, healthy pauses and asking thoughtful questions just seems to flow well between bites of good food. As of late, disaster response and political platforms and information sources have been topics of discussion and I have been honing my skills. I believe the research that says parents continue to be our children’s  greatest influencer, so here’s what I continue to learn on my hopeful journey of raising respectful, reflective and resilient children who love Jesus:

• Discussing values openly matters. Share and explain greater moral and family values that guide everyday decisions and why they are important. Share stories and real-life examples of when and how I have seen or demonstrated those values, including times I may have made mistakes and learned from them. Kids mature when they can think and process beyond political slogans and media taglines. Keep it real and relative.

  
  

• The goal has to be relationship. If my expectation by initiating a conversation is to get a son or daughter to think exactly like me, I will often be frustrated or disappointed. If my motive is to connect and to learn, I will be satisfied in the sharing of information. Our kids take in a lot of daily data. Often, what we can’t see weighs heavy on them. It is an honor to listen and to help them download.

  
  

• Hold a posture of non-judgement. Check facial expression and voice tone. One of the greatest skills I can model for my child is how to navigate the tension of disagreement or opposing view with calm assurance. When tempers flare, the body’s natural ability to process information, problem solve and think critically takes a dive. Often no one gets smarter and both people are left feeling misunderstood and less safe to share next time. Wait patiently for my moment of wonder or suggestion.

  
  

Finally, and I hope this brings encouragement, I always openly thank my kids for sharing their thoughts and perspective with me. We teach our kids gratitude, and I secretly hope this small intentional habit communicates that I do care what they have to say, and that I am very confident that their ideas and contributions will most definitely make a positive difference in the world.

AmyJo Pleune

Director of Life Discipleship