kids getting involved

magsandco

I haven't noticed anyone mention their kids in the posts i've been reading. My 11 year old daughter is highly vocal in her condemnation of our government. Obviously she does not fully understand what is happening but she just knows that her dad can no longer go to work everyday, and we now struggle constantly to keep our heads above water. She wants to vote, she also wants us to march on the Dail. When i explained to her that you are not allowed just march in, she said 'buts there's far more of us than them how would they stop us'
Personally i feel democracy is dead. All politicians are 'self serving leeches' and you cannot believe a word out of their mouth. Having said that i would like to express my opinion at the polls and i think the possibility of voting for 'none of the above' would bring out a larger electorate.
On a seperate note I have been labeling all my election propaganda 'return to sender' and reposting it.
Ok, a small kickback i know but it could let politicians know we are not interested

Morag

My son had one of the TDs who is seeking re election in his school to talk and answer questions. He's in first year and spent the weekend looking up thier website and that of the political party so he could know enough to ask questions. What he didn't get to ask he's emailed off to them and the rest of the candidates who's email adresses could be found.

mikemac

Ah I remember learning about proportional representation in primary school
I understood the system like a tallyman back then. Have forgotton most of it now

Your childs school will probably be arranging school tours at some stage. A trip to the Dáil could be arranged. Maybe through civics class.
And you can view some debate.

The local TD's could meet ye there

whydoibother?

Nice to hear that kids are being encouraged to care.

the groutch

this shows how 2016 will be the most important election we will ever have.
you'll have teenagers queueing up to get on the register, and there will a spate of new parties/independents.

Lawrence1895

whydoibother? wrote: »

Nice to hear that kids are being encouraged to care.

Encouragement is one side of the coin, but the influence, parents have, should not be underestimated. And name calling of party candidates, you don't like yourself, can have a total different effect...it makes a party even more interesting for your child in some cases.

Or does it add to the stereotype, that you always vote for those, your parents vote for?

C14N

Lars1916 wrote: »

Encouragement is one side of the coin, but the influence, parents have, should not be underestimated. And name calling of party candidates, you don't like yourself, can have a total different effect...it makes a party even more interesting for your child in some cases.

Or does it add to the stereotype, that you always vote for those, your parents vote for?

I don't think parents should influence the actual political opinions of their kids but they can influence them to take an interest in politics and to help them know a bit more about complicated topics like finance. Neither of my parents ever told me who they voted for and while they did have some sway (generally away from Labour/Sinn Féin) I still very much formed my own opinions on most parties.

whydoibother?

Lars1916 wrote: »

Encouragement is one side of the coin, but the influence, parents have, should not be underestimated. And name calling of party candidates, you don't like yourself, can have a total different effect...it makes a party even more interesting for your child in some cases.

Or does it add to the stereotype, that you always vote for those, your parents vote for?

Well having 2 parents that voted for opposite parties, I felt no particular loyalty to anyone. I think that's a good thing.

takun

My twelve year old is far more fascinated by Egypt than our election, following events there very closely, updating his already encyclopaedic knowledge of what is going on and the background and international reaction to it all.

I try not to influence his thinking on politics and to let him come to his own conclusions - but it's quite hard. It probably helps that his father and I would not be in 100% agreement, since it means he is listening to and joining in debate about various issues and the pros and cons of the parties policies on them. But I know we have both failed him utterly when it comes to being objective about FF.

Gael23

Im 19 and am currently canvassing for the general election. There are about a dozen of us canvassing for FG in my local area and we are all under 25. We even had a few 16 year olds out with us over the weekend so kids are definately taking an intrest.

magsandco

Thats a really good idea about emailing politicians. It might get her looking at things more objectively instead of just being angry. Looking through the posts regarding how parents influence their children I think we have probably played a large part in the opinion she has formed. But then when your financial security is pulled from under you through no fault of your own anger and bitterness do tend to surface.

Quackles

I have a five year old who is asking me every morning if today is the day he can help me vote I do think he lives in a bubble, he couldn't name parties or candidates, he doesn't even understand the process. I don't hide my disdain for politicians from him, but he's used to tuning out mammy giving out so it isn't sinking in I have a 9 year old nephew who is a budding socialist. He tells us that he's going to have a shop when he grows up, and once he's made enough money to get by, he's going to sell everything cheap, because he doesn't need more, and he's going to work christmas so that his staff don't have to :pac:

deisemum

My 15 and 13 year olds would love to be able to vote. I agree that parents opinions can influence their children especially if your family is suffering as a result of what the government have done or not done.

It's not just parents who can influence children but when teachers are expressing their personal views of the government and specific politicians that too is another influencing factor.