GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — You have to be 18 years old to vote in the United States, but there's no age requirement for learning to be a good citizen.
That's the belief of Dr. Marti Erickson, a developmental psychologist and host of the podcast "Mom Enough." Dr. Erickson visited KARE 11 Saturday to talk about her new installment with political science professor Lindsey Cormack, who is also the author of a new book, "How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It's Up to You to Do It)."
Among the things parents can do to teach their children about citizenship and its responsibilities are:
Read to young children about outstanding public leaders, both past and present, and visit state or local government offices to meet the people who work there.
Show youngsters examples of how political decisions impact places in their lives, like parks, community centers, and even their schools.
Let your kids listen as you hold calm, respectful political conversations with friends and family.
Teach teens how to register to vote, both in primary and general elections, and emphasize why voting is important.
To hear the podcast on raising good citizens, visit the Mom Enough website.