This election has provided us with an opportunity to educate our children on the political process and to let them see how we as a family are involved in that process. Even more importantly, we have had the opportunity to teach our children about respecting the opinions of others.

Our children are only four and six years old so our discussion of politics is pretty high level. However, given the energy of this election year, it is virtually impossible to totally avoid political discussions in the house. Even leading children’s televisions stations such as Nick Jr. are talking about the campaign and urging kids to vote online. Our family has campaigned by organizing volunteers, knocking on doors, and making phone calls to support our candidate of choice.

So what have our children learned from this historic election year? First of all, they have learned that there are no limits to who can run for President of this country. Watching Senator Clinton and Governor Palin has shown them that women can play key roles in the political process. And seeing Senator Obama strive for a position in the Oval office gives them hope that minorities in this country do not have to be limited by stereotypes and misguided perceptions.

Secondly, our children have learned that not everyone will agree with them. Some of their friends “are voting for” a candidate that is different from the one our family is backing. However, we emphasize that everyone has a right to vote based upon issues that are important to him or her. We are all different and entitled to varying sets of beliefs and preferences.

Finally, our children have learned to always do their best and “take the high road” when talking to friends about differences of opinion. Our hope for our children is that they realize that they can be anything they seek to be in this country and to not be limited by other people’s ideas of who they should be.