Mike Farris:
In the middle of an election year, it’s impossible to turn on the TV or radio without hearing about the upcoming elections. There are a lot of teachable moments for homeschoolers in these situations! Dr. King, how can parents use these presidential debates to leverage teachable moments?

Dr. Stephen King:
I think in quite a few ways, Dr. Farris. First of all, debates are opportunities to voice an opinion. So, in this sense, the candidates have an opportunity to speak, to let themselves be known. Parents can show this as an opportunity to speak up about something you believe in.

I think it’s also an opportunity to hear another person’s opinion. Too often, we speak, but we don’t listen. It’s very important for us to listen to what others are saying to us, particularly with regard to government, democracy, and these very important issues.

Thirdly, I’d argue that we need to learn about someone’s position, and these debates are a way to help us do that. And really what it does, Dr. Farris, is it helps line us up with our own worldview. In other words, it really causes us to think about what they’re saying in relation to what we believe.

And then, I guess fourthly, is this: the TV is a tool, and it can be a bad tool, or it can be a good tool. And I think if parents use it responsibly, in the case of watching debates and learning with their children, it can be a good tool.

Mike:
Well, thank you so much for those insights, and I hope the candidates are as clear as you are! I’m Mike Farris.