Got an e-mail question about kids and politics (look for a blog item in the future about that) and going to cultural events. Thought I would throw the latter one out to more experienced pros on the subject since I have had little to no success getting my siblings to come with me to museums.
I went to the art museum with my dad every Sunday (the Free day) growing up - the soft pretzel stand out front was a huge draw! I do think that exposing kids to various cultural events, getting them excited about public service and civics and nurturing a love of reading are all important in preparing our next generation of leaders to be good citizens.
As far as cultural outings and kids, I vaguely remember reading an article in Town and Country (yes, I do read things besides the Economist) on the topic, and here are a few pointers I recall from it:
You should summarize the plot of a play, ballet, opera, whatever you are going to as a bedtime story and can re-tell it in a fun way before the performance starts.
You can also read books where characters go to a Museum, like Babar's Museum of Art - this is obviously a book selection for younger kids.
Being excited about what you are going to is a must, enthusiasm is contagious and kids tend to follow your lead.
Anyway that's all I got, calling for back-up!
Politics definitely seeps into the kids from the parents. I remember watching the 76 conventions when I was 7 because my folks did. (I voted for Carter in our second grade straw poll).
They never pushed politics or civic engagement on me or my sisters. Later, when mom was a columnist for the city paper, she would bring me to editorial board meetings with political candidates or other public figures. Again, she didn't push, but I was able to skip classes for those, so that was definitely a draw.
Then I remember the things that were pushed on me - tap dance lessons in kindergarten and going to an all-boys boarding high school - they didn't "take".
Moral of the story, if there is a way you can make tap fun for a sleepy five year old tell me. Maybe Flavia can, but she might be the exception. And an all-boys boarding school - unless it's next door to an all-girls Catholic school - no chance.
But politics and civic mindedness will happen if your kids see you engaged, passionate, and having fun. Make it into a bring your kid to work day. Suprise them. They'll remember the event, but mostly they'll remember fact that you spent the time with them. Its been 19 years since my last e-board meeting with my mom and I'm still talking about it. Thanks mom.
Just last night I perused the new Getty museum flyer and pointed out a few events of interest. When my kids were little, culture was a great way to fill the time, any field trip was a good one. Now, even teh exhibit of an artist we all like has gone the way of the petting zoo, too much time and trouble. We do visit local art fairs, but last week it was hard just getting both kids in the car to go on vacation.
I still get National Geographic and Smithsonian, though. Just this morning, one teen needed a picture as inspiration for an art project - she went right to that shelf. I'm grateful for small things. But next time I'll buy tickets for the exhibit without asking. If there are no softball games or AP classes....
Posted by: Leslie at April 18, 2006 03:55 PMLast laugh -
As for Hollywood culture, in LA, it's unavoidable. My kids can't help but know what movies are coming out. But to heck with the millions spent on marketing... My 14 year old, who spends her allowance every Friday night at the movies, is very picky about what she sees: whatever is starting once all her friends have arrived!
I cancelled my subscriptions to those magazines. Did you renew them for yourself?
Posted by: juliette at April 18, 2006 09:24 PMMy eight year old has always had a paticular fascination with history, so my husband and he have come up with a beautiful tradition they call the "Discovering America Tour". They choose a place to go that gives them a taste of American History, or just places they are interested in. They do one or two trips a year. Last summer they went to Philly, and did the whole historic district. It taught him so much more than any text, and was a special one-on-one with his dad.
This summer it's the new Lincoln Museum. And now that he's playing the guitar and obsessed with Green Day, he's pushing for the Rock and Roll Music Hall of Fame too. Hey it's all history.
"Culture" for kids, be it museums, the ballet or symphony is all about making it real and approachable. It's also about bringing it into your home, and not just saving it for specail occasions. My kids are still small, so we can surround them with all of it without any resistance.
ps... Leslie, I hope your daughter's posts are truly tongue and cheek.
Please excuse the spelling errors!......I'm posting while being subjeted to a Care Bear's movie for Truman, my 4 year old.
Posted by: meredith at April 22, 2006 08:40 PMMaybe that was the Truman W was comparing himself to the other day. Precious!
Posted by: BW at May 30, 2006 12:22 AM