Sharing the Inauguration with Our Children

I’m typing this as I half-listen to President Obama’s inauguration speech.

I’ll be honest – I didn’t vote for him (but this isn’t a political post, per say) but I’m still watching. I also made our 2, 4, and 5 year olds sit and watch him be sworn in.

You might question why I had such little children sit down to watch something they don’t really understand. The answer is simple to me: I think it’s important. I may not agree with the outcome but I sure as heck respect the process.

When the swearing in was over our 5 year old began a conversation that went like this:
Kate: Is Barack Obama the person who won when we went to vote with you?
Me: Yes, it is.
Kate: Did you vote for him?
Me: No I didn’t.
There was some silence for a minute as she thought about her next question.
Kate: Mommy and Daddy, are you feeling disappointed that your guy didn’t win?
Me: A little frustrated but as people we don’t always get what we want.

We then went on to explain to her that although he wasn’t “our” candidate that it’s amazing that everyone gets to vote. It’s our job to respect the process of the election. We’ll pray he does the best job possible for our country and we’ll have the chance to vote again in another 4 years.

Isn’t it so interesting that at 5 she knew there could be disappointing feelings from an election. I’m glad we aren’t afraid or hesitant to share the importance of big “things” with the girls. Kids are much more intuitive than we realize.

As a kid, my mom ALWAYS made us sit down and watch any important ceremony or historical moment. I remember becoming enthralled with the Oliver North trials. So in my mother’s footsteps, this was Kate and Caroline Grace 4 years ago.