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14 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • October 2016 Share Your Opinion Parents are often teaching their children about politics whether they realize it or not, points out Dr. Rosalyn Cooperman, an associate professor with the Department of Political Science at the University of Mary Washington. "They do it with their behavior by taking the time to vote, or by supporting a particular candidate or party," she says. "They are also teaching them about politics by discussing the events of the day and even during their everyday conversations. Politics is a part of their daily lives and activities whether they are consciously aware of it or not." How active parents are in politics may determine whether their children will follow suit, as well as if they will end up sharing their parents' political views. "It varies depending on how strong a parent's affiliation is with a party, or whether or not parents are split parties," says Cooperman. Whether you are Team Hillary or Team Trump, talking to your kids about politics and democracy can be beneficial. Getting them interested in the political process early on can make a difference down the road. WRITTEN BY BRANDY CENTOLANZA Talking Politics with Your Kids