For example, the right of political participation means little when most citizens fail to exercise it. Furthermore, the right to free expression of political ideas is diminished when individuals do not gain knowledge about government. Most students acknowledge the importance of voting and campaigning in public elections, but they also tend to express low levels of political interest and fail to see that their political actions make a difference. Young Americans clearly need to become more attuned to their responsibilities as citizens of a democratic society. Parents and teachers must act in concert to strengthen the desire and capacity of children to fulfill civic obligations.
Parents are children's first and most influential teachers of civic values and attitudes.
Lessons learned at home about political participation or community service are likely to set the tone for later learning about citizenship responsibilities. Participate in the political system and volunteer for community service projects. Invite your child to join you. Showing interest in civic affairs and government by initiating conversations at dinner time or in response to television programs or newspaper articles about current events. Requiring children to perform duties regularly at home to demonstrate the value of contributing to the common good of the family.