Radio Commentary
In
a few days, when we celebrate our nation’s independence, it’s good to remember
that home is every child’s first community. What children see in their homes
greatly influences how they interact in the broader communities of their
neighborhood, school, and ultimately the world.
Parents
can have an enormous impact in helping young people become good citizens of
their communities. Here’s how:
First,
stay informed. Keep up with community concerns, beginning in your own
neighborhood and extending to global issues.
Let
your child see you using a variety of sources for your information: friends and
neighbors, newspapers and magazines, radio and television, and responsible
online sites.
Explain
why it is important to vote in local, state, and national elections, and that
at age 18 he or she will have this right and responsibility.
Find
at least one cause in the community where you can volunteer to help. Let your
child know why you think it is important and how you are trying to help. Let
them join you if they want.
Opportunities
for volunteering are everywhere. Explain to your children what you do when you
volunteer, and share success stories with them.
It’s
easy to become overwhelmed by the problems in the community or the world, but
individuals do make a difference.
Talk
about the importance of joining forces for the greater good. That’s what has
always made this nation great.
