politics/current events and your teen...
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politics/current events and your teen...
| Fri, 12-28-2007 - 7:37pm |
Would you say that your teens are aware of politics/current events?
I have two daughters, and one is very much so, and the other couldn't care less.

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DD is a chimp off the old block. She's taken several electives in "current issues" and a required
>>>>Don't expect a dissertation at first. Draw her out and value her opinion. Don't challenge her or ask her to support her position like a debate<<<<
This is great advice. Sometimes my DH forgets to let my DD get her opinion in, and challenges her too much so she shuts down. He's realized this, and now gives her more space and time to argue her side.
OTOH, with her dad to argue with, she's turned into a very facile debater. She definitely holds her own in class and with her US History teacher, and will have no problems in college when asked to defend a position!
Sue, mom to Leah and Seth
DS 17 is quite interested in national and international events. He loves the political satires that I find a little over the top and is bummed that he won't be 18 in time to vote in the election. He's been bored the last few days so I stopped at the library and got him a copy of about 8 different current events type magazines - maybe will keep him off the video games.
DD 20 has strong opinions but has not been paying attention much until she took a couple of Political Science classes that seemed to engage her. However, I was pleased that one of the things on her Xmas wish list was a newspaper subscription. She still votes at home but the local issues here don't interest her and I'm afraid she hasn't participated in the last few elections.
I try to talk to the kids as much as possible and expose them to current events.
I also try not to be bias in what I tell them. During our last election, we talked about the issues. DD was old enough to vote so it was important that she understand what was being discussed.
A few years ago, on the 30th anniversary of a especially important event here in Canada, I asked a few young adults (all very educated) what was the October Crisis. Only one knew what it was (although it had been taught in school) and what the events of that October in 1970 meant to Canada and to the Separatist Movement in Quebec. I was appalled and told these young people that they could not hope to vote intelligently if they did not understand and know of the events that have shaped this country. And I vowed that my kids would not be ignorant of the political events of their own country.
I think it depends on the child my 19 year old was very smart and always was reading and learning small triva stuff, now well lets just say she has regressed hole differant story. my 12 year old i can not get her to talk about anything, she does like stuff about weather and some history channels with her dad, ithink wanted to learn about current events just comes with age. at 12 did you really care what was happening. it also depends on the child. i always have the new on so that helps. they will get there. i really think it is just the age.
shannon
shannon
Both my daughters have a general knowledge of current events. I'd say that dd20 is more in the know than dd18. However, they are both interested when H and I discuss things going on around our country and the world.
I will admit that for the past few months I have really shut out the news in general, except for local stuff. I've been struggling with a bit of depression and the news just makes it worse. I find everything so distressing.
However, H is very up to date with everything newsworthy so he's always ranting about it. Haha
My kids have always been very aware of political/global issues because we talk about these things often. There is no beter way to gauge where your teens are by how in depth they see issues. We live close to New Hampshire and the presidential race is always close to the surface here. The funny part is my parents who live close are pretty much polar opposite to my political views - the kids have taken to bringing up good points with them. It is really rather amusing! The wierd thing is - and I talk about this too - The things I believe deeply and that drive my views are things I thought I was learning in my house. Clearly, I was very confused :)
We try not to watch the news too often - if anything I choose the BBC news. When we do watch the news I/we heckle it too - for telling only half the story, or only showing one perspective, or asking invasive rude questions. My boys have always had to do current events for school too. They have to find articles that affect them in some way and write about it. I like that they do this as part of their school work because it then creates a memory of the event.
Courtney
I pray my wish, will come true, for my child, and your child too...
Courtney
There's a great big beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day... there's a great big beautiful tom
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