Tip Tuesday: Lead By Example

You are your child's first and most important teacher. So start early, start them young. It's important for children to learn about their civic duty and our Government.

We always make sure the kids are along when we vote. On the way to the polling place, we talk about the candidates and who we plan to vote for. After the 2008 election, we've also added the discussion of the importance of the secret ballot, as Liam decided to ask everyone who entered the polling location, "Are you voting for John McCain? Cause you should."

This election, Liam had to get on his bus early for school, so, being the BIG brother of the house, Sean had the duty to hold the ballot for Mommy. And yes, he's wearing his "Speaker of the House" T-Shirt.

Lead by example. Instilling the importance of voting and our Government (and the system) is important to me and my husband.

What traditions that are important to you and your spouse that you share with your children? Share your comments below.

Make Monday: Make Your (Child's) Voice Heard

*The following is just the views of Sarah Bowman and not everyone at Mommy's Recess*

Tomorrow is school board election day here in West Des Moines. I plan to vote in my first (and I'm somewhat ashamed to say that)school board election tomorrow. I was excited too, thinking I had voted in every election I was eligible for. I DO work in politics, after all.

Then again, I had already graduated high school and have my four year degree...it's just NOW that I THOUGHT the school board elections effect me. But this past year, with barn-gate, my eyes have been opened. I didn't need to have a child in school to have the school board effect me.

Now, I do have a child in the school system. My oldest child started kindergarten this year. But again, with the help of barn-gate, I saw how tax dollars are spent (or misspent). If you pay sales tax, you're effected. If you pay property tax, you're effected.

The people you elect to the school board choose how YOUR money is spent (or, again, misspent).

And for my first school board election, I'm voting for Julia McGuire. Having getting to know her over the past 9 months has been great. And I see that she would be responsible with OUR money as I've seen how responsible she is with HER money.

I believe we need more transparency in Government. ALL Government. That starts with the school board.

Our children can't vote. But we can speak for them. If you have the nerve to expect honesty from those guiding your child's education, if you have the audacity for those who are spending your tax dollars to be held responsible for their decisions, then you need to vote for Julia McGuire tomorrow. She will be honest, she will hold herself responsible and she will be accountable for her votes and actions.

Because Julia doesn't just speak about Character Counts, she lives it.

So tomorrow, vote for Julia McGuire. And write in Sarah Bowman, if you feel so inclined.

Wash Wednesday: Cleaning the Corruption Out of Office

What a lesson we sent last night. A clean house is a happy house. Whether the house is your own home, the House in D.C. or as in our state, Iowa's own Terrace Hill.

Iowans like so many other states across this great country do not tolerate corruption. Iowans don't like a select few of people telling them what to believe. And Iowans sent that message last night. Governor Chet Culver and his machine were voted out.

Conservative power has been restored to not only the Iowa House, but the House in D.C. We have cleaned house.

While Iowans DID re-elect all of their Congressional Incumbents, they voted NO for Judge Retentions. This is a historic vote here in Iowa since all three tried to redefine marriage. ALL THREE Judges up for retention were fired by Iowans. Yes, fired. Iowans don't like being told what to believe. Iowans want "the vote" on marriage. We were denied it, so we took matters into our own hands. Iowans believe there are consequences for actions...or lack of action.
Our Governor Chet Culver's administration has been nothing but a giant fail. Corruption upon a scandal upon a failed set of policies and values. Iowans also sent a message to the Secretary of State office as well. ID's MUST be shown to vote. It's too easy for voter corruption. Enough is enough. I am sure the same message is true for your local officials and statehouse.

Our children will (hopefully) learn in Government or Civics class about the "Great Wave of 2010." When the Conservatives took their Country back. When Americans wouldn't tolerate outside forces buying elections. When corruption was tossed out the door. The days of Government take overs and bail outs are over.

As Thomas Jefferson said, " I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have." Honest work is something we want to instill in our children. Corruption never wins. Cheaters always get caught. Honest, hard work is the only way to go. Keep your values, keep working, keep trying. Keep cleaning! Eventually victory will be yours.

Tip Tuesday: Teaching the Importance of Voting

This blog post was originally posted at Sarah's family blog, "Surviving in a Male Dominated Household" but we thought it would be great to post it here as well. Your Tip Tuesday's Subject, "Teaching the Importance of Voting."

As parents, we have many important roles. We are the first and most important teachers our children will have. My husband and I believe it is important to teach our children why voting is so important. Liam already knows, because last night I told him that "we had to go to bed early, so we could get up early and vote. And then we'll watch exit polls and election results." Liam exclaimed, "YAY! EXIT POLLS!" I was proud.

Being from military families, we know the price of voting. David served in Iraq. His Dad served in Vietnam, he had one Grandfather who served in WWII and the other Grandfather in Korea. My Grandfather served in WWII. We're a militarily strong family. And we know the cost of freedom and the price for the right to vote. So we vote in every election.

We always take the kids with us to the polls. Yes, we're those parents. We explain to the kids about the ballot, the secrecy folder, filling in the circle for who we choose to vote for and finally we have them help us slide our ballot into the machine. We talk about the elections all year and voting for about a week before the election.

We let them stay up late on election night. Again, we're those parents. In a General Election, Liam keeps a notepad of electoral votes, votes needed to win and votes per state. Not only is it teaching him the electoral system, but math as well. In mid-term elections he has a list of candidates and follows exit polls and results.

And, of course, for each child's first election, we take a picture of them with the ballot. This year is no exception.

Children do what they see their parents do. Be an example and vote. Take your kids with you. Make them feel included. It's their country, too. 

Happy Voting!

Salavation Sunday: Voting Your Values.

One thing working in politics that used to just bug me was when I heard voters complain about our current events or government. A few minutes later, I realized they did not even vote at all. I wanted to point out that they said their piece by not voting. So in other words, quit your complaining; I do not want to hear it.

This Sunday, as we are in the midst of the final 72 hours of this midterm campaign season, I want to remind you to vote on Tuesday, November 2. Perhaps you will be voting for Governor, the retention of judges, or vote for your state legislature. I even encourage you to do some research on the candidates this Sunday afternoon so that you can vote your values. Make sure you really know what you are voting.

Our church has been doing a lesson on voting called "Politicked." If you are ticked at politicians no matter the party or of the state of affairs of the United States, then take some time to watch or listen to this little miniseries on what you can do. The bottom line as Christians is to align our votes with those candidates of similar values. Even more so, our duty as Christians is to vote, period.

If you need help finding your polling location, please take a few minutes to call your local, county auditor or visit their site online. On a side note, quite to contrary belief that your vote does not matter, who you vote for will impact not only policy the next few years but how your state redistricts for future representation. I wish you Happy Voting and Happy Results.