Ok, ok, I get it. You people are fed up with George W. Bush. Ready for him to move on, get out. It's no secret. You want change. McCain change or Obama change.

We must remember what our children are taking from this whole experience, however. Though they may not have an opinion of what is going on with our relationships abroad and at home, with our finicky economy, or why we're vacationing...at home! this year so Daddy doesn't blow a gasket from the gas prices, nor even understand why, they are watching how we react to the news.

A child sees how we talk to and about their teachers, our employers, our police officers and doctors and about our government leaders. "Daddy says he's stupid" is what they play in their mind when an image of authority comes up. Later at his desk in school, Billy hears that the teacher is stupid and begins to embody the sentiment. Now the teacher's lessons and discipline are taken lightly and the child leaves the school year jaded and cynical.

No way for a child to be. We are to teach them to respect the authority simply because they have a position of authority. We are to respect them. Not agree with all that they do, or add them as Facebook friends, necessarily, but to treat them with a dignity that station deserves. When a child sees us respecting our police officers, teachers, pastors and president, they will ultimately respect us as parents and lead to a safer, more peaceful community and country.

If George Bush is making his address, listen to it. Turn down the radio and don't answer the phone. Listen to his words, and consider what our leader is telling us. Talk about what he communicated and tell your child what you agree with and what you disagree with.

Let him know what you think this country may need and also what we have that is wonderful.

And then, when you tell Billy to pick up the livingroom, he will learn to see you as a leader as well, respecting you even when he's doing a task he'd rather not.

Thursday, September 25, 2008