Shopping for Two Blog

Election day has arrived! As a mom of a busy young family, I know all too well how lovely conveniences are. We try and use as many things as we can to make our lives simpler. So signing up to vote by absentee ballot is tempting. However, I’d like to make the argument that taking the time to go together as a family to your local polling place is worth the extra hassle.

You know how important voting is, I don’t need to tell you. It’s what made our country the wonderful place that it is. So lets get our children excited about it too. One way to do it is to start early and make voting a positive memory for them. Children really look up to their parents and hopefully seeing us vote, will inspire them to want to vote when they grow up. I myself have fond memories of going with my folks in their brown 1970’s Ford Mustang to the local polling place, playing in the booth curtains and running into friendly neighbors. I think its these fond memories that have driven me to never miss voting in an election.

When our children are just wee-little ones, it may be too early to have a discussion about the issues at hand, however its never too early to make a fun trip out of going to vote. Make it easier on yourself by reading up on the issues before heading over and marking your choices on the sample ballot. This will help with getting in and out quickly. Then bundle up, make a mug of hot cocoa if your so inclined and head out to your polling place. Maybe walk or bike ride, something that distinguishes it from an ordinary errand to your children. Make sure you grap some ‘I Voted’ stickers to let your little ones decorate themselves with and head home knowing that you made a difference. Not only with yoru vote, but also in your young childs life. And while you are at it, why not go out for a slice of apple pie, what could be more American?