TIP of the WEEK: Talking Politics

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No matter how hard you try there is no escaping the election coverage this year. Regardless of who you are voting for here are some basics on talking with your kids about the upcoming election:
1. Be respectful. This is a perfect time to teach your kids about respect even for people that you do not like. We have all been guilty of saying some not so nice things about the candidate that you are not voting for. Please be sure that when your kids are within earshot (which is basically every second of the day because they seem to be able to hear everything!) keep your comments respectful. The President is this country’s biggest authority figure and if your child hears you being disrespectful it gives them the impression that it is ok to disrespect authority- their teachers, doctors, and you.
2. Keep it simple and developmentally appropriate. Keep topics general such as moral character, honesty, helping others, and avoid topics like budgets and national security that can be overwhelming and frightening to some kids.
3. Vote. Show your kids that you are an active participant in the change that you want to see. If you are all talk and no action you are showing your kids that it is ok to stand by passively and watch others make decisions for you.
Above all else your kids need to feel safe. Even if you feel like the world is going to end if your candidate doesn’t win- it’s probably best to keep that to yourself.

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Patrice Carroll is Latham Centers’ world-renowned Prader-Willi Syndrome specialist. She works with Latham Centers’ residents with PWS, their families and consultants, continuously learning and teaching about PWS best practices. 

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