Dear Abby,
I have a problem. A family member spent some time with my kids this weekend when I was getting ready for our school talent show. I could tell something has been bugging my 8 year old daughter, she was acting all out of sorts the last few days. Finally, yesterday, while snuggling on the couch with me, she blurted out that this family member said she hated President Bush and it is all his fault that the gas prices are so high. #2 was obviously upset for two reasons. First of all, we honor and pray for our president and second of all, she has been taught we only hate sin and the devil, not people.
My dilemma is whether I address this with my family member or just let sleeping dogs lie. I talked to my daughter about how this was wrong for this family member to say this and it just isn't true. The president is not to blame for high gas prices, it is much more complicated than that and points more to the weakened US dollar and the housing market negatively impacting our economy. And, I sort of lost her on that part. I'm just wondering if I should say anything to my family member about it and tell her how I feel...not so much for my sake, but so she realizes that it upset my daughter.
Please leave me a comment.
Signed,
Oh My Word
4 comments:
Dear Oh My Word,
Unfortuantely, #2 may hear that and a few things worse than that in the close future as there are many who do not share the belief in honoring Mr. President. I think you should talk to #2 about it, but not the family member, unless you want to get into a heated political discussion. It's a great opportunity to teach that amazing little woman of yours that even adults can do things that aren't quite right.
Then you should drain the gas out of your family member's car with a long tube and see where gas prices will get them then. :) Kidding, of course...kinda...
Love Always,
Classic Mama
I agree with Classic Mama that you need to discuss the fact that others are not so kind about Mr. President (and other people) and teach her how to handle that kind of situation. BUT...I also think, depending on the relatives age, you might want to mention to them that you don't want to debate the issue of Pres. Bush whatsoever, but that you have taught your daughter to respect the position and therefore the man and that their remarks confused her, just so they know (as a family member) that politics is not an okay subject unless it's in a positive light at her age. I say this not knowing her age so I guess it really depends on the age of both your daughter and the relative though.
I hope this helps and doesn't just confuse the heck out of you. I guess, as the offender, I would want to know...but that could be a personality thing too. I wouldn't have made the comment in the first place either. So, maybe there is no avoiding a political battle if you mention it. :)
Hey, I just now read your e-mail about your company. I know who it was. Just out of respect for her, I'd say nothing, and keep the peace.
Oh the things we have to go over when my in-laws come to town or we visit. We are always listing off movies that the kids can't watch, words we don't speak in our house and topics of conversation. I feel your pain.
It is a good learning experience though and a lot of great conversations with the boys have erupted from this stuff.
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