You’d have to be living in a hut on Antarctica not to know that Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th president of the United States of America just a few hours ago.  About a million people are in Washington, DC, dancing in the streets and celebrating joyfully.  Others aren’t so thrilled, but are taking a wait-and-see attitude about this new president.

What do we teach our children about the presidency of our country, and by extension, about our roles as citizens?  By the way, I think this question applies to any non-US readers, as well.  We all have to balance our ideals with our expectations, and our rights with our responsibilities, no matter where we live.  And our kids are watching to see how we live as citizens of our respective countries.

This might be particularly difficult for parents who did not vote for our new president (full disclosure–my DH and I did not vote for President Obama, this is how I know about this difficulty!).  After all, our kids heard us criticize Obama, his policies, and his philosophy for a solid year–that makes an impression.  My middle child can tell you exactly what we don’t like about Obama’s proposed tax policies, for example. 

Here are some suggestions about how to talk to your kids about Inauguration Day, a new president, and a new administration.

• Respect the Office.  Avoid derogatory nicknames (remember “Slick Willie?”), and don’t attack the president personally.  His policies are fair game, but his wife and kids are not.  It should still mean something to be the President of the United States, and the person who holds that office is worthy of respect because of the office. 
• Assume good motives.  Even if you don’t agree with a leader’s ideas or policies, it’s important to acknowledge that he or she truly wants the best for the country, state, city, etc.  You may find their methods misguided, but that doesn’t mean they are bad people.  Assume they are good people with impractical ideas until they prove otherwise.  Again, no name-calling.
• Teach your kids your values.  Everyone should do this, and there’s no better time than a new presidency (unless it’s an election) to do it.  You can start by asking, “Do you understand what President Obama was talking about when he said…?”  Then simply say, “Daddy and I support that idea, because we believe…”  or  “He’s trying to help people, but we think a better way to help people is…”
• It’s okay to talk about race.  Being against President Obama’s policies does not make you a racist, and it IS possible to have voted against Obama and still be proud to live in a country where a candidate from a racial minority can become president.  Make it clear that you do not support or oppose Obama because of his race, but because of his ideas and skills.  Keep in mind, though, that kids are going to hear racist jokes and comments.  Help them make a plan as to how they will deal with those things when they come up.
• Encourage your kids to make their opinions known.  Just because they can’t vote doesn’t mean they can’t write to or email representatives, or even the president himself.  Those addresses are easily accessible online.  About two years ago, my middle child wrote to President Bush with her concern that Barbie dresses should be more modest..and she got a letter back.  It’s never too early to be a concerned citizen.
• Assume your words will be repeated.  This is really a rule for life: If you don’t want your kids to say it outside the home, don’t say it inside the home.  They are NEVER out of earshot.

Whatever your family’s opinions were about President Bush, or are about President Obama, an inauguration is a time for hope.  It’s exciting, as all new beginnings are.  Be positive, and be respectful.  And be proud to be an American.

With leadership from the nonprofit organization Babywearing International, Inc., volunteers and advocacy groups around the world are teaming up to raise awareness about babywearing during International Babywearing Week, September 21-28, 2009.

The term “babywearing” means carrying a baby or young child using a cloth baby carrier. Babywearing allows parents to have both hands free while carrying their children, and research indicates that this practice has numerous benefits for children.

A study published in the journal Pediatrics in 1986 found that 6-week-old babies carried at least three hours a day in a soft carrier cried and fussed 43 percent less than others overall, and 51 percent less in the evening hours. Another study, published in the journal Child Development in 1990, found that mothers who were given cloth carriers at birth were more responsive to their babies and had babies who were more securely attached than mothers who received plastic infant seats.

(Source) Press