Parent's Guide to the 2008 Election

Activities and tips for talking to your child about the election
As parents, you will have a great opportunity to have discussions with your children about this year’s presidential election. Children might sense the excitement, but they may not completely understand the political process. To help you, we’ve created some suggestions and activities that you can use during the election season.

Hold discussions
Once the presidential election is in full swing, begin by having a discussion about what it means to vote. Ask:
    Why is it important to vote?
    Should the voting age be lowered? Why or Why not?
    If you could vote, which candidate would you vote for? Why?

If you have younger children who may not understand the concept of voting, explain that voting is a choice we make. You can teach young children about the importance of voting by letting them vote for something at home (for example, dinner, weekend activities, or television shows). Then ask them how it felt to vote and have a say in the decisions that are made at home. Explain that something similar happens on a national level when you vote for President. Citizens who vote help make decisions about how the government runs our country.

As the election progresses, continue to have family discussions. To jumpstart some of these discussions, visit our blog for current topics and issues. Children can read the blog and discuss how they feel about the topics.

Be informed citizens
These days, children can have information at the touch of a button. The amount of information can be overwhelming. If possible, watch the news on television with your child and read age-appropriate magazines and Web sites together. You can help answer any questions or concerns your child may have and relate information back to his or her life.

Compare the candidates
While you may already know which candidate you will vote for in November, you may want your child to know why you chose the candidate. You can begin by visiting our section Meet the Candidates. This page provides an overview of some of the important issues in the 2008 election. It also lists the ways in which each candidate will address those issues.

Children may want to write down the issues that are important to them and decide who they would vote for in the election.

Connect with the classroom
Your child’s teacher may plan activities and lessons focusing on the election. If possible, try to get involved by volunteering your time, donating election materials, asking questions, or sharing your thoughts, concerns, or suggestions.

Further reading
Children may wish to learn more about the election process, past Presidents, the White House, and other election-related information. Encourage your child to check out books from the library, visit educational Web sites, and watch documentaries. See our Recommended Reading page in the Teacher’s Resources section for election book and Web site suggestions.

Take action
Teach your child to get involved in your community. There are many ways to volunteer together as a family. You can sign up with your child to register voters. But volunteering for the election is just the start. Visit PBS to find many creative ways to get your family involved. Children can volunteer at pet shelters and soup kitchens. They can visit the elderly, plant trees, start a recycling program, collect canned foods, or donate toys. Volunteering is a great way to foster your child’s civic responsibility.

Take your child to the polls
Children may not be able to vote, but that does not mean they can’t be part of Election Day. If possible, take your child to the polls with you. Many polling places offer stickers and other engaging voting activities for children. This will give children an opportunity to see how the democratic process works.

You can also help your child participate in the voting process at kidsvotingusa.org/. Children can vote for President and learn more about the electoral process.

If time allows, watch the election results together and discuss the outcome.

Suggested Activities
• Create or draw a flag and use it to mark Election Day on a calendar.
• Create a President collage using newspaper and magazine art and clippings.
• Create a poster supporting your candidate.
• Learn more about the candidates running for Vice President.
• Create “Remember to Vote!” posters and post them around the neighborhood.
• Register voters.
• Attend a rally.
• Help an elderly person make it to the polls on Election Day.
• Have an election night get-together with your family and friends.
• The day after the election, hold a family discussion about what changes your family might see with a new President in office.
• Write a letter to the new President.