My 15 Year Old Son. Becoming Politically Aware. And Asking Questions From His Dad

Emac44 · 03-16-2008, 07:00 AM

I know this forum debate hasn't a thread as such like most political inspired debate found on this site. But my 15 yr old son has began asking questions about politics and the world in general. Over the last few months we have discussed the Political Parties in Australia and other countries like the US and UK. We have discussed the gun debates. And Islamic Fundamentalism. Today my son and I discussed the differences between Communism versus Democracy. It amazes me my son is growing up with a thrist for knowledge and he has sought out his father for information to help in his quest for knowledge. What I have explained to him that on lots of subjects I am biased but also neutral and or a partisan of subjects he has raised with me. I have also suggested to him not just to take my word for things he has asked but to study read and aquaint himself with different subject matter.

For example the Gun Debate in Australia. He doesn't think guns are an ideal but admits he doesn't know anything about Guns or Rifles or the ownership of such weapons. He asked me today what I thought. I explained to him. In my opinion banning guns and rifles was a knee jerk reaction. Designed in princple to punish law abiding Gun Owners in Australia from owning weapons. I equated it to this so he could understand. That Guns and Firearms don't injure and kill but the person behind the trigger does. Do we punish all licensed Car Drivers due to high incidents of Alcohol induced car accidents in Australia by banning all car drivers due to the the high road toll and death and injury caused by drunk drivers? He replied No Dad we don't! Now explain to me why do we punish Gun Owners due to the action of Martin Bryant in Tasmania? I explained to him why politicans react the way they do to special interest lobby groups. In this case the Anti Gun Lobby. But above all that my son was to discover for himself why in Politics things occur. Always try and look at both sides to a debate or a discussion. But make yourself aquainted to facts before making a decission and opening your mouth and adding your own 2 cents worth.

I am looking forward to having another Man's Opinion in my Family (My Son). And he is following family tradition as being some one who knows his own mind politically

Njaco · 03-16-2008, 07:05 AM

Great stuff, Emac. My 15 yr old is also coming to me but not with such heavy questions. Maybe soon.

I would say be objective as possible, learn and take in from both sides of a problem and stand by your belief or convictions. Opinions can change - mine do all the time - but your core belief should never be compromised.

Good luck!

evangilder · 03-16-2008, 07:17 AM

That's great, Emac. I have a few more years before my son asks me anything like that, if he ever does. But he does occasionally have some good questions. He will be 7 in May and has autism. Fortunately, he is high functioning, but I don't know how interested he will be in the world around him politically. Reading what you guys go through helps me prepare for the future.

Emac44 · 03-16-2008, 07:19 AM

Doing just that Njaco. I try to answer him correctly as best to my opinion but I also remind him not to be influenced to much by my opinion alone. I have already explained core beliefs but be ready to listen and examine some one elses core beliefs as well. In other words a learning curve. Learn and listen but don't be a doormat either. My son is growing up to be a young man. Can be scarey at times realising it. As it wakes you up a bit to realise he is getting older and so am I. But its also gratifying to know my son is coming to me for advice on politics and I try very hard to be as equal as I can and fair in judgement

mkloby · 03-16-2008, 07:36 AM

That's exciting Emac. I don't know how the schools are over there, but in the US his age is crucial as that is when they will really start seeing the activist teachers that attempt to indoctrinate, not educate. It's the parents' role to keep that teenage head screwed on straight!

Emac44 · 03-16-2008, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkloby

That's exciting Emac. I don't know how the schools are over there, but in the US his age is crucial as that is when they will really start seeing the activist teachers that attempt to indoctrinate, not educate. It's the parents' role to keep that teenage head screwed on straight!

I had already thought of that Mkloby. I have asked my son if any teachers at school had tried to influence his thinking. He said no Dad. His teacher seems to have similar ideas to his role is to educate not indoctrinate. And be warned first nit wit who tries indoctrining my son will get a very angry parent storming through the school looking to indoctrine my size 10 in some ones Kyber Pass

syscom3 · 03-16-2008, 10:04 AM

Wait untill you try explaining taxes to him.

Emac44 · 03-16-2008, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by syscom3

Wait untill you try explaining taxes to him.

He has already found that out Sys. He just began working part time after school and every second weekend for a local shopping complex and general goods store. The hard part was trying to explain tax return

Emac44 · 03-16-2008, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evangilder

That's great, Emac. I have a few more years before my son asks me anything like that, if he ever does. But he does occasionally have some good questions. He will be 7 in May and has autism. Fortunately, he is high functioning, but I don't know how interested he will be in the world around him politically. Reading what you guys go through helps me prepare for the future.

No problem Evan. My Eldest Step Son is severe to moderate Intellectually Disabled with syptoms of Autism. His functioning is that of a 18 months to 2 yr old ability and is 24 yrs of age. But he lives in independant lifestyle with carers 24 hour a day 7 days a week. And is independantly funded by the State Govt of Queensland. I made damn sure of that Evan after lobbying the State Government for 2 years for funding for the Eldest Boy. Mate as my Father use to say. When it comes to your kids you will shed blood for them. And a lot of the time its your own. Blood sweat and tears mate

Matt308 · 03-16-2008, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by syscom3

Wait untill you try explaining taxes to him.

Explain it to me, syscom?

Man I wish I could.

Great job, Emac. My son, 14, is also beginning to ask questions about why people don't rely upon their own abilities, make sacrifices that are painful, relish the enjoyment of having made those sacrifices for the rewards they received and instill this ethic upon their own.

Government is not a religion.

mkloby · 03-16-2008, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt308

Government is not a religion.

Oh but how wrong you are - how many believe that the government shall be your savior???

Matt308 · 03-16-2008, 05:33 PM

Enough to vote for Hillary or Obama?

Emac44 · 03-16-2008, 06:38 PM

We have the same here but his name is Kevin Rudd of the Australian Labour Party. Our new Prime Minister. So naturaly some of us refer to Kevin Rudd as PM KRudd

Graeme · 03-16-2008, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emac44

But my 15 yr old son has began asking questions

Emac, be wary of questions like...

"When are you going?"

"How long will you be away for?"

"When are you coming back?"

"If you decide to come back early, will you ring me?"

Last October my 18 yr old asked these questions. While we were away he organised a booze party for 65 school friends...

Sound familiar?...

Emac44 · 03-16-2008, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graeme

Emac, be wary of questions like...

"When are you going?"

"How long will you be away for?"

"When are you coming back?"

"If you decide to come back early, will you ring me?"

Last October my 18 yr old asked these questions. While we were away he organised a booze party for 65 school friends...

Sound familiar?...

Sounds very familiar but My Son doesn't drink
But he did ask one day. Dad when you die are you leaving the house to me?