Promote Civic Duty in Your Home

Teens, while growing into independent adults, need to learn about being a citizen of their country, their state and their local area. They need to know where their place is in this vast wide world and what their contribution should be. In simple terms, they need to understand their civic duty. An upcoming election is the perfect opportunity to teach civic duty to your teens – don’t miss it! Talk about the issues, ask your teen what he/she thinks and listen to his/her opinion, even if it is different than your own.

Here are some ways to promote civic duty in your home:

• Volunteer with your teen for local town cleanups or state and federal campaigns.
• Attend town meetings and become part of solutions to your local governments problems.
• Pay attention to the flyers that come in the mail from your state representatives. Bring up one or two of the points made in the flyer at the family dinner table.
• Teach your teen to do things because it is good for everyone in the family. He/She will learn to contribute to the greater good of those around him/her.
• In conversations with your family, bring up why you feel we live in such a great country. Use ice breakers from the global news.
• Provide books and magazines that promote civic duty.
• Get your teen involved in a youth organization that supports citizenship.

What do you think? Do you have any more tips on promoting civic duty to share with our community of parents? Give us your advice and opinions in the comments area.

Related Reading:

• Local Volunteer Opportunities for Teens
• How to Promote a Positive Volunteer Experience
• Teenagers Are Changing the World

This post is part of the All About Parenting Blog Carnival. Great ideas, tips and resources on engaging your child in their community. Check it out!