The O-MAMAs Tips For Teaching Kids Democratic Principles For Up-Coming Mid-Term Elections

- written by Michelle Tingler and Debbie Devine, the O-MAMAs

As citizens, our vote is our voice. With the November elections around the corner, we’re reminded of our important role in the national conversation.  That being said, where do we find our big girl (or big boy) voice?

Consider your family the polling station for everyday issues.  It’s our kids’ first community and where they build their dreams for the future. The kids we are raising today will be the bankers, soldiers, politicians and parents of tomorrow…they are learning how to become happy, healthy, well-adjusted citizens.

So, MAMAs, how do we run our homes – more like dictatorships or democracies?  Sometimes it’s easier to get stuff done when you exert supreme control, right?  Plus, democratic principals don’t always work when you’re out-numbered by your kid-os!  But, non-politicos beware; our kids are learning the basics of civics and citizenship from us…yep, through our mommy governing style. 

Consider everyday situations as teachable MOMents, and show kids how to navigate playground politics. Have a lesson on the Freedom of Speech when dinner looks yucky.  Think about what your family Bill of Rights would say.  And, don’t forget the littlest voices…because someday soon, they will be the ones that rule.  Remember, every vote counts!

O-MAMA’s tips for teaching kids democratic principles:

O - encourage kids to share their opinions

M - tell them even if you disagree, their opinions do matter

A - show them how to articulate their opinions respectfully

M - have them motivate others to support their ideas

A - remind them that “actions speak louder than words”

ABOUT O-MAMA.com 

O-MAMA.com—short for Opinionated MAMA—is a new resource for news and events from a mom’s perspective founded on the belief that moms can be a constructive voice in the national dialogue by applying common sense principles honed in motherhood to get to the heart of the issues that matter most to our kids and our country.

Michelle Tingler, a democrat and mother of three and Debbie Devine, a Republican and mother of two created O-MAMA.com to be a civilized forum that connects moms to the political and social issues of our time.  Putting parenting lessons in the context of the bigger issues of the day not only makes the site relevant and meaningful on a broad scale, but positions America’s moms as a critical voice missing from our country’s most important conversations. 

Moms from Maine to California have identified O-MAMA as a destination where they can effectively and constructively use their collective skills honed in motherhood to find common ground on the tough issues and create real change in their homes and communities, and for our country. Since its launch in November 2009, traffic to the site has increased over 1400% and O-MAMA’s main mamas, Michelle and Debbie, have been featured on the Fox News Channel, REDBOOK magazine, Oprah Radio’s Dr. Laura Berman Show, The Orange County Register, The Chicago Tribune, Coast Magazine, OC Family.com, Raising Arizona Kids, and several other blogs and websites making the connection between the messages in the news of the day and the lessons we are teaching our kids at home.

“Kitchen Table Talk” videos on the site cover a range of topics from guns to gay marriage, health care to terrorism–with a little humor and a lot of common sense.  ”Interest groups” for moms of every kind, plus chat rooms on all the “hot button” issues of the day encourage America’s moms to give a fresh alternative to the often tiresome talking heads across the cable networks.  It’s all there on O-MAMA.com, empowering moms and ensuring that CHANGE BEGINS AT HOME.

Registration is free and every MAMA’s opinion counts!

From the kitchen table to Capital Hill to the cable newsrooms and the blogosphere, America’s moms are becoming a powerful force and voice in the political discourse of our country. 

See our O-MAMAs in action, click here to view their latest video: http://www.o-mama.com/videos 

 

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