Mike Farris:
The Democratic and Republican national conventions are back-to-back this year and just a little more than a month away. Dr. King, as families watch the convention coverage, what are some ways parents can engage their children in thinking and talking about the broader issues underlying all the rhetoric?

Dr. Stephen King:
Well, depending upon the child’s age, first of all, I would say, parents can just simply discuss the role of political conventions—maybe even the role of the party system, the role of candidates—and, of course, the importance of all these with regard to our political and governmental process.

Secondly, I would argue that you can explain to your children that conventions are one form of civic duty. Those delegates that you see sitting on the convention floor, the various individuals in the party, all highlight who we are as participants in this broader governmental project that we call democracy.

And thirdly, I think parents can point to the fact that the United States is one of the very few nations in the world that hold regular—and, I might add, peaceful—elections. Conventions are very important for that reason alone; I think it’s a very good demonstration of this political fact.

Mike:
I know that the conventions this year are going to be particularly fascinating. Thank you for your insights, Dr. King. I’m Mike Farris.