Teens, Voting and our Hope for the Future

How often do you hear people say they don’t want to be told what to do? Young people often rebel against conforming to rules and regulations. I have had some of them come to me and say that they are fed up with being told, “You have to do this,” and “You have to do that.” They say they want to decide for themselves and do what they want to do. My response is that they are free to do exactly what they choose to do (as long as it does not infringe upon the rights of others), but there are certain consequences which follow all our actions, and our teens must be prepared to take those consequences.

If we disobey the speed limit it is our own fault if we get a ticket. If we are dishonest, it is our choice that has caused us to pay stiff consequences. If we are violent the law of the land is bound to make us pay for disobeying the laws of civility.

Many people skirt their obligation to vote. They use a variety of excuses to rationalize why they don’t vote. Some say it is because courts select jurors from registered voters, and they don’t want to serve on jury duty. Some say that they are too busy to vote. Still others say they don’t vote because one vote won’t matter at all. There are also those Americans who do not vote, because they simply are not concerned about doing so. I say, if you don’t take part in the choice, you have no right to complain about the outcome.

What does this have to do with raising teens? Well it won't be long before the course our country is left in their hands. And it is up to us as parents to raise our children to have a healthy respect for our country and an understanding of how important their participation in the voting process is.

It is the responsibility of parents to teach their children the importance of understanding their role in choosing their leaders, laws and taxable obligations. Of course the best way to get this lesson across is to be a proactive role model. Talk about laws and elections at the dinner table. Let them know how you felt about your choices on voting day. Help them understand the importance of electing honest, ethical and moral leaders who will lead the people rather that seek personal glory or gain. Our future depends on it.