Since the early part of this year we as Americans have wrestled with the

difficult task of weeding through the partisan sound bites and media

accounts concerning the President's behavior. It is a process that has

clearly divided the country and few, it seems, are indifferent on the

issues. This is neither an editorial nor a political commentary. Our

current political situation, however, effects our children at home, at

school, and at play. Even my children, who rarely watch any TV, have at

least a vague idea about what is going on in Washington, D.C. What I wish

to do in this closing column for this year is to address the issue and how

it can be most effectively discussed with our children.

As always, what you say to children and how you say it is dependent upon

the child's age. For simplicity's sake and because of the limited space I

am given for my thoughts let me keep my comments in generalities and you can

narrow or broaden them depending on the ages of your children.

I, like most of you, have very strong feelings about our leaders, their

behavior, and the motives that seem to drive their actions. However, I want

my children to grow up thinking for themselves. When my ten-year-old first

asked me what "impeachment" was back in the spring, I restrained myself from

political indoctrination. Not only is she too young to understand it all,

it wouldn't be productive. The issue for her to understand is that the

President was accused of behaviors that were inappropriate and possibly

illegal. The job of the Congress was to decide whether or not he was

guilty. There was no need for me to discuss the President's sexual

behavior, conservative or liberal views, or who is out to get who. I

discussed what the impeachment process means to us as Americans. We

discussed the fact that, regardless of the guilt or innocence of the

President, impeachment is a drastic and serious step. Of course, our

country would be better off if none of this had happened. However, painful

the process is, our leaders are elected and paid to make these decisions.

This question also gave me the opportunity to discuss with her the

importance of honesty, integrity, and character as it relates to her, not as

it relates to the President.

Older children may have more questions about specific sexual behaviors.

Tell them candidly what you know about the behaviors and what your personal

and religious views are concerning such behaviors. If you like, you can

share your opinions about the President and his ability to lead. I

encourage you, however, to allow your children to make up their own minds.

What our country doesn't need are citizens who thoughtlessly follow the

opinion of others. One of our greatest challenges as parents is to teach

our children to think for themselves. By the teen years they should be

doing this readily.

As my family traveled in the van the day of the impeachment vote, my middle

child (age 6) hearing the word "impeachment" several times wanted to know

what was wrong with "Mr. Peach." She doesn't need to be burdened with my

opinions about the President, the Democrats or Republications, or any other

such issue. It is easy to assume your family is the captive audience who

will listen as you indoctrinate them with your opinions. I suggest that you

not forget your role as a teacher of your children. Teaching them to think

is a primary objective.

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