With state elections taking place next week, now is a great time to talk to children about the importance of voting. It is a great way to teach your children how our cities, counties and country work.

Start the conversation

I love dinner table conversations or car ride chats that give our family the opportunity to discuss important matters and ideas. Take a break from the campaign ads to discuss what voting is, why we do it and how we can make a change in our country. PBS Parents offers some great discussion questions and answers that you can use by visiting: http://www.pbs.org/parents/special/election/article-theraceison.html

Share your opinions

While we can keep our votes secret, sharing them with children actually helps them make their own decisions on right vs. wrong. It gives a family time to discuss what is important to them, and what will impact the children the most as they grow. Children can also learn that in certain situations, not everyone will agree and that it is okay to disagree.

Teach your child about voting

Learning about Election Day can be a great source of fun for your family. Here’s how:

• Start my taking a trip to your local library to check out age-appropriate books on elections. There are several children’s titles such as Amelia Bedelia’s First Vote, Today On Election Day or Vote For ME! that you can read as a family.

• Children can create their own campaign poster at https://pbskids.org/youchoose/campaign-poster

• Record your child doing a campaign video about what is important to them and how it will change the world…even if it is Macaroni and Cheese for supper every Friday night!

• Whether you plan to vote absentee or going to the poll on Election Day, make sure your child is a part of the process. Don’t be afraid to show them what the ballot looks like, or how to fill it out. If you are going to the polling location, take your child with you so they can see the process in-person. Most locations will offer an “I voted” sticker for children to help them feel like a valued participant.

• Create your own family voting booth with an old box. Let your children paint it red, white and blue.

• Let children create their own ballot and let family members vote and then follow through with the results. Not sure what to have for supper, which family movie to watch or don’t know which bedtime book to read? Take it to a vote! It is also very important to make sure that the outcome of the vote is carried through with. Young children will quickly learn about the democratic process and begin to understand that their opinion matters and can make a difference.

While I am not going to advocate for Democrat, Republican or Independent, I do encourage you to do your research. Take time look at the webpages and social media pages for any candidate and make an informed decision. Vote for those people who will have the most positive impact on your child’s future. This a great time to show children that voting is a right and a responsibility.

Happy voting.