Lee Iacocca has a book out called Where Have All the Leaders Gone? and I read some excerpts from it recently. In it he criticizes the leadership of this country in a very appropriate way. Although I don’t agree with everything he had to say, it made me think. As Family First Entrepreneurs, we need to be concerned about this from two angles.

First, is that we must be involved in the political process to put the people in place that will get this country going in the right direction. Iacocca’s issues are centered around economics and the fiscal degrade of the middle class. I personally feel the direction of this class is going to be the straw that breaks the camels back or makes it rise from the dust of the current economy.

Second, is that our children need to see our example of taking action so then they will become active participants as adults as well. We do this by both voting and staying current on the issues. This is an area that can be discussed in front of the kids at the dinner table, although I believe it must remain up beat and talked about in moderation.

If they are old enough, invite them to join in and share there opinion on issues. I believe we must be cautious here to remember this is an opportunity to share their thoughts and be involved, let them. We must extend them the same courtesy we expect from them and not criticize, but respond with things like, “Wow, interesting thought. Here’s another way I was thinking about it, but keep in mind there are lots of ways to skin a cat.” This allows them that independence of thought as well as understanding perspective from an adult they trust.

Get them involved now; it’s never too early to create an environment that encourages your children’s patriotism as well as involvement in the governmental process. If we don’t do it, who will?