One of my regrets as a mother is that my children are decidedly apathetic and, like many kids, still pretty egocentric.
Does it affect ME? Right NOW? No? Then never mind.
The Roo-girl, at 14, is still only as interested in the outside world as her schoolwork requires. ("Mom, can you bring home a newspaper? I have to do a current event for tomorrow.")
J-Bear is 18 and is still mostly about her job, her animals and karate.
Z-man, 19, is cooking. He's in culinary school. At 18, he had to register for the draft (a stunning moment for him), but he has so far declined to register to vote.
The Drama King has a stake in politics this year. As a gay man (aged 24), he celebrated California's acceptance of same-sex marriage earlier this year.
But does he realize that Proposition 8 could take this away? Maybe. Has he registered to vote so he can make a difference?
No.
So the phone call I received this past week from my oldest, Drummer Man, 27, was a refreshing moment as he peppered me with questions -- and his opinions.
"What do you think of the candidates, Mom?"
"Did you watch the presidential debate?"
"Are you going to watch the vice presidential debate?"
"What is the failure of the bailout going to mean for me as a renter? I'm guessing I won't be able to buy a house any time soon."
"Do you think Sarah Palin will step aside?"
"I'm thinking about voting for Obama, but I'm still looking at everything and learning."
Oh my goodness, dude.
So, Drummer Man, did you register to vote?
"Absolutely. I'm really excited about voting this year. I finally figured out that this DOES affect me and my future, and I'd better pay attention."
Who are you, and what did you do with my egocentric little boy?
Ah, now I see. You now are a grown man -- with a job, a home (albeit a rented apartment), a girlfriend, bills and vision that looks FORWARD, instead of merely right in front of your nose.
Perhaps there IS hope for us all.
That is wonderful! Now you just have to get the rest of the rugrats to care and you'll be all set.
Posted by: Burgh Baby | October 06, 2008 at 09:17 AM
I remember registering as soon as I turned 18, and I voted that year, too (Granted, it was for Ross Perot, but at least I voted!) LOL!
They will come around, politics holds such a stigma as a topic that one shouldn't discuss, that maybe they are afraid to get to into discussions or ask the questions they need to.
Of they could be REALLY sick of all the brouhaha lately! LOL!
Posted by: Eternal Sunshine | October 06, 2008 at 09:28 AM
Oooh. I love voting! Drummer Man and I are the same age, and while I've voted in all the elections I've been eligible for, this is the first time I feel that my vote is super important and will affect my future for a long time.
Posted by: Kristi | October 06, 2008 at 09:59 AM
It is exciting when they develop into such wonderful people. Good for you.
Posted by: Debbie | October 06, 2008 at 10:38 AM
Maybe when they hear their brother's interest and excitement, his siblings will get with the program. It's startling how the older sib can have more effect than mom, who's "supposed" to say all that goody-goody stuff.
Posted by: Ilona | October 06, 2008 at 12:47 PM
It happens to the best of us eventually. :)
Posted by: Mr Lady | October 06, 2008 at 01:09 PM
How awesome. The great thing is that he's not the only one, young people are taking more of an interest this year! Way to go DK!
Posted by: Rachael | October 06, 2008 at 02:01 PM
OK, first of all, not sure where I am, but that's nothing new.
Is this Janet...Janet from the Planet of Janet?
Love your description of all the kids. As for mine, we agree to disagree.
Be sure to stop by when you have a chance to see my Breast Cancer Awareness post. Thanks. Kathy
Posted by: Swampy | October 06, 2008 at 02:44 PM
It is a slow process, this maturation thing. And boys are so much slower than girls. Physically AND mentally. We had a meeting at school today. They have enforced a newdress code. No more midriff showing, longer skirts, etc. Apparently, they forgot to forbid spray on clothing. At least, that's what I think they were wearing. Sheesh.
Posted by: lceel | October 06, 2008 at 07:11 PM
So it only takes 27 years?
Posted by: texasholly @ June Cleaver Nirvana | October 06, 2008 at 10:01 PM
I think next to having a real i dram of jeannie mom it would be great to have a mid century mom! i can believe there is a site dedicated to mid century moms. Gotta love it.
Posted by: Mid Century Furniture | October 06, 2008 at 11:27 PM
I love those moments where I can actually see my work as a mother paying dividends. My oldest daughter has been campaigning for Obama. No matter what my thoughts are on any of the candidates, I am proud of her for taking an action, doing something, rather than just give lip service to her beliefs.
Posted by: Karen | October 07, 2008 at 04:24 AM
Good to hear that there is hope yet!
Posted by: Sylvia | October 07, 2008 at 08:44 AM
My daughter is politically minded, but son would like to mute any and all political talk. I hope he'll grow out of it!
Posted by: Daisy | October 07, 2008 at 07:50 PM
My oldest will be voting for his third time! My 17yo would love to vote but he misses it by 4 months. He's been sending me Obama videos for 2 years now. I'm so proud to have raised two caring and politically conscious children. (someday they might care for others in other places...)
Posted by: JaniceNW | October 09, 2008 at 12:52 AM
I was pretty oblivous when I was in high school, but I blame that on the fact that I was in an insulated fundamentalist prison camp, er, school. I missed the deadline to register in my first election (Reagan), but have voted in every election since, especially local ones, since I think my vote has more impact there. For example, I usually vote Democrat, but the state party, in its infinite stupidity, is putting up a CONVICTED FELON to run as magistrate. In this state, convicted felons are not allowed to vote. Apparently this restriction does not extend to holding office. Idiots.
Posted by: Janet | October 09, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Excellent take on this, Janet.
Posted by: Robinella | October 09, 2008 at 03:37 PM