By definition, I’m not a boisterous political person.

However, that doesn’t mean I don’t have concerns about government, or that I plan on not voting. I simply choose, as a mother, to take a live-and-let-live attitude that respects everyone’s point of view.

There are a great deal more productive things to do with our time than listening to two people arguing about their supposed beliefs — repeatedly. I don’t have to turn on the TV for that; I can just listen to my kids. Same concept, different issues. No one ever sways the other person, anyway.

Busy parents have little time to devote to rehashing old news, so tell me something fresh. Familiarizing ourselves with the various candidates’ stances is helpful in order to be a knowledgeable role model. The numerous TV debates are supposed to enlighten us about the character and issues important to each political hopeful, while instilling the idea that the multitude of promises splattered across the headlines will become reality — if they are elected.

But what if the only changes that take place, in actuality, are the face and name in office? Does that still make that person the better choice? I hear a bit of cynicism in my writing, but it’s a valid question. Exactly what values determine who you vote for?

What is interesting to me is that every family takes a stand on issues, and each family has a mantra, or a specific moral compass. Think back to your own childhood and recall what line your parents used repeatedly. It must have meant something to our parents’ value system since they sounded like a broken record. It might not have altered the behavior, but it was food for thought.

It could have gone something like this:

“Eat all your vegetables!” (Meaning: You’ll be healthier.)

“Don’t talk back to your mother!” (One of the Ten Commandments: Honor your mother and father.)

“Never hit a girl!” (Respect women — even if it is your sister!)

“If you really want something, wait a day.” (You may change your mind and regret the purchase.)

That last one was my husband’s family mantra. Even in today’s instant gratification society, those words are deeply and irrevocably ingrained in my husband’s head. Thankfully, that has prevented me from successfully talking him into purchasing beautiful (overpriced) time shares. In our household, we have a slightly different mantra from the norm, but just as important, especially when asked frequently at every meal, fork in hand: “Are you going to eat that?” (Don’t waste food!)

This is a crazy time to be paying attention to the redundant news. When young children are asking me who I’m going to vote for while informing me of their skewed political views, something peculiar is going on. Especially when they uncannily make valid points!

We are saturated with information — good, bad and ugly. Because that scares me, a simple parent’s prayer is considered necessary: “Please God in Heaven, help us (seriously) to guide our children by supplying the right messages/mantra so that they can grow up to be productive, insightful and loving adults who give back to society. Please help us to remember that they’re the ones who will be taking care of us (hopefully) in our golden years when Social Security is bankrupt. God help us, everyone. Amen.”

Federal Way resident Jan Hallahan is a writer and mom. Contact her: Jan12160@yahoo.com.