How to watch the Democratic National Convention (DNC) with kids

July 30, 7:28 AMParenting ExaminerKaren Deerwester

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Politics for kids - more than kissing babies

The Democratic National Convention is many things but it's also a P-A-R-T-Y!  If you won't be attending the Democratic National Convention live, you can still bring it "home" to kids.  August 25-28 can be a memorable time for your family.  You can raise children who care about their country and the world without the tedious civics lessons.  All you need is :

1. age-appropriate installments of TV
2. a kid-connection to make all those "talking heads" interesting
3. some props and enthusiasm to make it hands-on fun for kids

With a little advance planning, you can start the conversation today and have everything on hand for August 25th.

TV Time - Plan segments of time to watch the television together based on your children's age and interest.  You may be addicted to moment-by-moment coverage and your children may learn to love politics from your passion.  You can still designate some time to encourage and engage your children in a personal way.  Put it on your family schedule - make this a family-night.  Get out the popcorn or the red-white-blue Popsicles and settle in for history-in-the-making.

Kid-Connections - This election is like no other.  This is the year that a "girl" ran for president and the year that skin-color doesn't matter.  Talking with kids always involves equal parts talking and listening.  Otherwise, you might miss the curious and unique ways that kids put ideas together.  Ask open-ended questions: what does the president do; what do voters need to know to elect to a good president; what makes a good president?  Give your child time and space to develop her own ideas.  Then, invite your child to think about other people's points of view and other additional information.  In the article Carpooling with Barach Obama, a mom hears the unexpected when her daughter explains she can't be a Democrat because they don't believe in unicorns (who knew!)  Kid's opinions and ideas need to heard and respected.  Maybe they'll grow up better prepared to discuss, disagree, compromise and problem solve.

Party Props - Serious party-goers need the right apparel and festive accessories.  You can find the standard democratic fare at the Obama Store and some really, really cute kid's clothes at Cafe Press - like a "hope-apotomus" t-shirt and the diaper-wearing-baby saying it's "time for a change"!  Pick up a party-size helium tank and blow up the red, white, and blue balloons.  Did I hear someone ask about a pinata?  No problem at pinatas.com!  This is a party - a party to celebrate democracy, hope, and change. 

All children need to know that there are adults working to make the world a better place.  Whatever your political affiliation, children need to know there are solutions to all problems and role models that care.  And please, take your children with you when you vote.