Ep 83: Raising Engaged Citizens with Lindsey Cormack
Hey there, friends! Welcome back to the Heartful Parent Podcast, and a big warm welcome if you’re tuning in for the first time. I’m so glad you’re here!
Now, let’s be real—wherever you go these days, you’re probably hearing a lot about the upcoming presidential election. Whether it’s through phone alerts, social media, the news, or even in conversations with friends, politics is on everyone’s mind. And let’s face it, regardless of which side of the aisle you’re on, if you're in the U.S., you care deeply about what happens in November. Even if you're outside the U.S., you know how much this election can impact the world.
But today’s episode isn’t about picking a political side. Instead, we’re diving into a really important conversation: How do we talk to our kids about politics and raise them to be engaged citizens? We all want our children to grow up understanding our political system enough to participate in it, right? Yet, the reality is that many of us adults don’t fully grasp how our own government works. If that’s the case, how are we supposed to teach our kids?
There’s often an assumption that schools will handle it, but as you'll hear today, that’s not always the case. That’s why I’m thrilled to introduce you to today’s guest, Lindsey Cormack. Lindsey is an associate professor of political science and has done some truly eye-opening research on civic engagement and how we can better equip our children to navigate the political world.
Lindsey’s latest book, How to Raise a Citizen and Why It’s Up to You, is a must-read, and I can’t wait for you to hear her insights. When I first learned about her work, I knew I had to have her on the show! She graciously agreed, and today’s conversation is packed with wisdom on how to approach these topics with your kids—no matter how much (or little!) you feel you know about politics yourself.
What You’ll Learn in Today’s Episode:
- Why we need to start talking to our kids about politics at home.
- How to make these conversations approachable and age-appropriate.
- Surprising statistics about what adults know (or don’t know) about government.
- Practical tips for engaging your kids in discussions about civic responsibility.
Lindsey also shares her journey in creating a massive database of congressional newsletters and gives us a sneak peek into the second half of her book, which simplifies politics for parents. This episode is not only thought-provoking but also super practical. Whether you’re a political buff or someone who avoids the topic entirely, you’re going to walk away with valuable insights.
So, get comfortable and listen in—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!
Cheers,
Christy
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Stay tuned for more Heartful conversations on parenting, love, and inclusivity. Thank you for listening!
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Christy Keating is a certified parent coach, positive discipline educator, and motivational speaker. She is the founder and CEO of The Heartful Parent Collective, which includes Heartful Parent Coaching, Savvy Parents Safe Kids, and Heartful Parent Academy.
The mother of two amazing daughters, Christy strives to build a happier, healthier world - one child, one parent, and one family at a time.