Obama School Address Poll: Why We Should Vote Yes
The above Facebook poll came across my wall and I readily took it. I saw nothing wrong with such a large public figure making a speech directed at our nation's children. He is our nation's leader, it should only be expected that he addresses the nation's people, including the children.
After I voted I was surprised to see the results were predominantly "No". Why? i thought to myself. What are those parents afraid of?
If you are afaid that a single speech, or even several speeches, by Obama will warp your young children's minds than I say you fail as a parent. As a parent, you should be constantly teaching your children of the ways of the world, perspectives of life and what things would make our lives or our world better or worse. I don't mean lecture them constantly, but simply make notable statements now and then. Voice your opinions openly within earshot of your children. Explain to them why you feel the way they do, especially if they ask you. Let them absorb all this on their own time and they will eventually form their own opinions based on what they learn from you as well as what they experience outside of the home.
Shielding children from all the bad in the world only works for so long. It is inevitable that they will someday be let loose in the world on their own and will run into the very things you shielded them from. If you want your children to be able to avoid those things or at least be able to deal with them in the proper way, completely shielding them is not the answer.
Instead you should allow your children to watch the news, see the bad things, and then you explain to them why the bad things are bad, and what they can do to avoid them. It is also good to tell them what you would do if you encountered a bad thing. The more they hear you speak of these things, what you feel about them, and what you think should be done, the more OF you they will learn. If you believe your values and ideals are correct, then you need to voice them openly to your children. This will help counteract any negative lessons that may come across their plate.
Children do listen to you, and most often when you least expect it. If you prevent them from being exposed to the dark side of life, you are losing out on great opportunities to teach them your ideals.
Published by Allana Calhoun
I'm a working mother who has been writing poetry and short stories since I was a child. I also do crafts and create handmade jewelry. View profile
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18 Comments
Post a CommentGreat written.
I was outraged to learn what my fellow Tucsonans thought on the subject when listening to the radio that morning...I called in and thankfully got on air to interject a bit of reason!! Nice job here.
Good article. We should expect our leaders to talk to our children and show them a good example. We shouldn't complaint when they do. Thanks for article.
i wonder if he has the time to visit schools, and talk to students of different age group. Most focus on tertiary students, and ignore the younger ones.
Very important article about the President's school address.
The objstions are foolish.... you make a very good point!
Wow. This has so much emotional depth. I was sheltered and it made me wild to see what real life is all about.
Definitely agree. What's the fear in an adress to children, regardless of one's political views of Obama?
Couldn't sgree more. We must both be right!
This is soooo funny. I wondered why he would be addressing the children but I wasn't against it. Guess who else is watching. Never mind big brother, it is MOM. LOL Anyway, I turned it on today and my daughter was at school watching it. She is in the first grade. I asked her what she watched on tv today and she told me the president talked about his dad leaving and a woman. She said he said to stay in school and not quit. If you quit on yourself you would not find a good job and you would quit on the world. That's pretty close to what the speech was about, I'm not sure if it made a difference in her life though.