A House Divided – Setting a Politically Correct Example for Our Kids

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Whenever my husband and I argue in front of our kids, I instantly regret it. We’ve talked about how it can be good for them to see that even though you can get mad at someone, you forgive and move on. But, I’m not quite sure the words they hear us say to each other are good for them. So we’re working on it. And for the next 5 weeks or so, we’ll really have to work hard because…election.

a-house-dividedWhile we agree on some issues, I’m pretty sure come November 8th, my husband and I will be voting for different people. Maybe that’s unusual, or maybe it’s not, but I know that it has led to some heated discussions around the house. Our country is always more electrified around a Presidential election, but this year I think we can all agree that the amount of electricity running through our population is close to causing a power outage. And that is what makes this year so important – for us and even more so for our kids.

When talking politics, I’ve found that you run into three groups of people. Those who say exactly what they think, those who don’t say anything, and those who take the easy way out with – “I don’t like either of them.” I admit that I probably fall into the latter group, but as the election gets closer, I am trying to research, listen and question, in order to prepare for my vote. The hard part is, when we discuss politics at home, it can be hard to stay calm. We both have our opinions and honestly, we both sometimes think the other is flat out wrong. That’s when we take a turn down the road of name-calling, exaggerations, and assumptions. The road we do not want our children to see us travel.

So we talked about this. As smart, hard-working, loving people – who deeply care about the future of our country – we talked about the example we want to set for our young children. They are barely out of the baby stage, so they do not understand politics. During the debate, I told our son that one of the people on the TV would be our next President. He asked for ice cream. But I will tell you – that doesn’t mean he’s not listening. He is taking in the words we say, the tone we use with each other and the anxiety we feel surrounding this election. As we decide, he learns.

There is a right way to discuss these issues. First, we can listen to each other. We can respond and discuss, but without the use of hurtful words. We can talk about the facts – after researching to find that they are indeed, facts – and weigh the pros and cons. If we realize we will never agree, we can move on. We can respect – each other and others who share their opinions. And most importantly, we can vote.

Until our children are 18, we are choosing their future for them. We are setting this country up for them to live, lead and grow. Our children may agree with me – or they may agree with my husband. Maybe a little of both. But I know we will set an example for them of what it means to live in the “Land of the Free.” They will not agree with all of their friends, co-workers, or possibly even their future spouses, but they WILL know how to respectfully discuss politics and issues. Because we are setting that example for them now. We, as parents, are exercising our right to teach them respect, allow them an opinion, and seek out the truth – and come November 8th – to vote.

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Andrea Limke
I am a native Cincinnatian and thanks to a lot of moving, I know this city pretty well. I grew up on the Westside, attended Walnut Hills High School, and then headed to Oxford for an education degree at Miami University. After a few years in Hyde Park, my husband and I are settled in Northern Kentucky for the time being. One of the great things about the Cincinnati area is the abundance of wonderful neighborhoods, schools and family friendly activities! My husband, Andrew, and I have a son, Aiden (2) and our baby girl, Audrey. We didn’t exactly plan all of the “A” names, but it allows us to keep our family nickname – the A-Team. I am an elementary school teacher, but am on a leave of absence right now to be home with my kids. My days are filled with entertaining my babies, taking way too many pictures on my phone and changing a lot of diapers. Thanks to recent open-heart surgery, I have an aortic valve that ticks (like a clock!), I have ornithophobia (Google it) and I broke my hip when I was 18 (I will never ice skate again). But, I do love photography on my “real” camera, pretending I’m a good enough chef to have my own cooking show and playing outside. I turned to writing/blogging in order to document my family’s journey to better health and as motivation to keep myself on track. You can read more about my personal journey at www.limkelife.blogspot.com. I look forward to sharing the adventure of motherhood with you!

4 COMMENTS

  1. This is great, similar situation at home. Our boys are 5 and 3. We try not to discuss it anymore since it is obvious that we are a house divided. I do know that we both pray that we make the right vote for our children’s future.

  2. I really loved your article, thank you! I just had one comment to make – I think your assertion that people who say they don’t like either candidate are “taking the easy way out” isn’t necessarily correct. I think there people who legitimately don’t like either candidate, like myself.

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