Obama's Speech to School Children

Isn't it a little disingenuous to post a political question and then tell everyone to be nice and that you don't want to hear political rants? What do you REALLY think Obama is going to say? It's a speech to school children. He's probably not going to indoctrinate them or brainwash them in a 15-minute speech. Maybe he'll tell them to stay in school. HORRORS!

He is the President talking to kids- I think it is great they feel involved they feel part of it, he is a fantastic speaker and personally I think it a great motivation for kids. Do you ever remember the president actually talking to kids when you were a kid? There will be things she wont understand because she is 5 and that really doesn't matter. Let her be involved in the world around her.

Personally? I'm NOT an Obama fan but don't think I would pull my child from school that day. They have to hear his stuff and I don't think he's going to say anything but stay in school, don't do drugs, etc.

I might see if I can join as well as hear it for myself.

If it was a toddler for pre-school? I don't think ANY president should be talking to toddlers...elementary? Okay. If it last longer than 6 minutes, he will most likely lose his audience anyway as that's their attention span.

Why on Earth would I pull my child from a speech from the President of the United States? What an honor. I'm a Democrat, but I certainly wouldn't pull my child from a Republican President's speech, either. My goodness!

Added: Ok, I am just cracking up about the need for a "transcript" of the President's speech before allowing your kids to see it -- and I'm talking about all of the moms who posted that on here. What planet do you all live on?? This isn't Phineas and Ferb, it's the President! Thanks for the laugh, ladies, because that's really over the top :) Talk about helicopter parenting. "Lighten up" indeed.

I'm not sure I understand what the down side would be. Any president giving a speech to school age students is going to focus on encouraging them to learn, have fun, be good people/citizens, listen to their teachers, stay in school, etc. I really don't think there will be politics involved. It's really just an opportunity to speak to a younger generation about the importance of education and that they matter. I do have a kindergartner, and I have absolutely no reservations!

I really think this is a good thing. I'd let him go.

Wondering why in the world any parent would deny their child a chance to hear Our President speak. Weird.
Why do you feel such a need to preview the speech? I find that very odd.

Ok...nice...nice....

I think pulling your kids out so they don't hear the president speak is ridiculous. Seriously, what do you think he is going to say that is going to hurt your child? Most of these speeches are all about working hard, getting an education, etc. Even if he does have a political platform, what five year old would even understand it? I hated Bush H A T E D, but I would never have considered pulling my daughter out so she couldn't listen to it. He is still the president of the United States and deserves to be respected as such.

Honestly, even if he did preach politics, even if my child was old enough, and even if she cared (which I doubt most kids do). I would STILL let her watch it. I mean what a great way to have an honest conversation with your child about why you do or don't agree with what he said, instead of "sheltering" your children.

Added: No I really wouldn't want to read the president's speech before hand. I don't care which president was giving it. I can be pretty sure that he's not going to say "Screw school! Do drugs they are AWESOME! Ignore your parents and spit on the flag." Common sense tells me not to worry.

Double add: Sorry, but I see just a little bit more irony in you telling us to lighten up when you seem to be trying to censor every mover your child makes. I know that's "mean" but, at least it's honest.

I'll tell you what he's going to say if it makes you feel better. Stay in school, eat healthy, get 60 minutes of play everyday, listen to your parents and teachers, and one day you could be president, we live in the greatest country on Earth and you are the future blah blah blah. If you disagree with his values, use this as an opportunity to have a discussion and make your own values clear to him.

What could an American President possibly say that would be offensive? What on Earth do you mean that you don't know what will be said? Do you know what the teacher is saying day to day? Do you know what the pastor is going to say every Sunday? You don't get to proof read everything your child will ever hear in advance. By asking this question, you are insinuating that he is a dangerous man and that somehow his speech could have a negative effect on your child. That's just sad.

I am 50 years old.
I remember one time the school bringing a TV in so we could hear the President Of The United States address the school children of America. It was a HUGE honor to sit there knowing he was thinking of us in his super important job...I only understood ONE thing....that it was important to exercise and stay healthy. So I took it to heart and have stayed fit my entire life. I played numerous high school sports, was a songleader, became an officer in the US Army and even attended Airborne School due to my athletic abilities....all encouraged by the then president. And I can't recall which president that even was.

What are you so worried about? That there's going to be some inappropriate propaganda disseminated? And if there was, it would then be your job to teach your child how to read people...what they say versus what they do. We all are bombarded every day with lies and half truths in all realms around...at school, in politics, even church. Missing one talk will not stop the growing up and learning process....if anything, this is an opportunity to learn.

We live in a phenomenal democracy...perhaps not perfect....but thank God we're not listening to Fidel Castro, or Kadafi, or Abbas, or Hitler, or Stalin...

I wouldn't spend 30 seconds thinking about this. I don't know if my kids will hear/see this in school and don't care either way. They get messages all day long that I don't know about (or necessarily agree with). Loosen the reigns a bit. It's a speech to school children, not some kind of brainwashing by a cult leader.

And to respond to your ETA...I have taught Sunday school for 5 years and here's a little secret...we all deviate from the syllabus! Oh the horror! Your children's teachers don't read from a script, they use the syllabus as guideline but let the kids take discussions where they want to go. You really need to right yourself with the fact that you cannot and will not filter every message that your child hears. You're making a big deal out of a harmless, positive speech.

Having the president of the United States speak directly to our children is an honor for them and I wouldn't let my personal politics get in the way. That goes for ANY president, not just the current one.
I have no idea what on Earth you think he could possibly say that would be so damaging, work hard? love your country? take care of yourself and your community?
Pull your child if you must but I don't think that sets a very good example. As citizens it is our duty to be involved in the current conversation, not turn our back on it just because we don't like what the other side is saying.

Can you go with him instead? I wouldn't pull him out for several reasons...
1. He's not a toddler. Sorry mama, but he's a big boy Kindergartener, not a 2 year old.
2. Hearing the President speak is an interesting experience for the kids because MANY of them have no idea who he is or what he looks like.
3. If you can go with him... it would be a great way for you to continue a potentially interesting conversation at home.

I'm not a fan of the President, but I would not pull my child from school. Just my opinion, but regardless of my political views, my child needs to be aware of who is running our country and how the whole system works.

Traditionally, the Presidents speak about effort, the importance of education and the need to work hard- nothing controversial or upsetting.

WHAT??? He is the president of the United States. YOUR president, your child's president. I cannot believe the level of disrespect you would be showing by "pulling" your kid out of an opportunity to listen to what he has to say. How excatly do you think this would hurt your child? What in the world do you think he's going to say? Why do you think it would damage him and why do you think he should be any different from anyone else listening to what his elected leader has to say?
Your child will listen to all kinds of lectures and speeches by people you do not like in his career as a student. You will never know exactly what teachers discuss in the classroom with their students, some will say things you don't agree with, some will discuss politics from a point of you you do not personally like. That's called freedom of speech.
Whatever our presdient says tomorrow is his right to say to the children of this country as the leader of this country. By pulling your kid out you are showing him that if you do not like what someone else (a person of authority) is saying or their point of view is different from yours that you do not have to listen to them at all. What a very sad lesson to teach your son.

I would say do what ever you feel is safe for your toddler. I'm 41, and I have never seen a presidential speech with profanity, nudity, or violence in it.

My parents always had us watch and respect every president's speeches. It made us feel smart and included.

I did not vote for Obama and I personally think he is train wreck but I would have no reservations about allowing my school aged children to hear his speech. I do not see how hearing one speech from our President could possibly be detrimental to any child.

Edit- I don't know what your beliefs are on global warming but what passes for science in public schools is unbelievable to me. My point is that as long as your kids go to public schools there will be a lot of things you may not agree with.

I'm an Obama fan, so I have no thoughts of saying no. That being said, I was not a fan of George W Bush, and I would absolutely let my kids hear one of his speeches. Toddlers/Kindergartners are way to young to worry about politics, and no president would try to put politics into a speech to students. It's just not going to happen. This speech is about the importance of education and the American spirit. Let your child go!

from http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/09/16/pre...

The President’s Back-to-School Speech is an opportunity to speak directly to students across the country. In past years, President Obama has encouraged students to study hard and take responsibility for their education, urging students to set goals, to believe in themselves, and to be the authors of their own destinies.

100% agree with Dawn B's post! I didn't vote for Obama and I think his leadership as our president has not promised all his campaign promised it was going to be. Having said that, I respect his position and without seeing a transcript can bet he will not saying anything that isn't inspiring and kind to our nation's children. I would let your child participate and not worry about it.
God Bless,
A.

Never underestimate your children.

Do you want them to know the name of their President? To recognize him? To be able to use this time in their memories for studying American History in their future studies? This is how they begin to learn that American history includes them.

I was not thrilled with lots of past Presidents, But I remember Pres. Kennedy speaking on TV and hearing his voice. I knew his face and then all of the following Presidents.. BTW I was 3 when Pres. Kennedy was President.

I bet President Obama is going to remind the kids to do well in school. Respect their teachers that have worked so hard to educate the students. To Make sure they are exercising and eating healthy.

Look at his own children.. They are incredibly bright, articulate and healthy happen children..

He is the President of the ENTIRE United States. Of course children should be allowed to hear him speak. I cannot think of a reason not to.

What are you worried about The President saying? I am really confused! I would think that the President would be stressing the importance of school and education...not talking politics, abortion, immigration or anything else "political". I would not pull my child out of an important speech by the leader of our nation, whether or not I am Republican or Democrat.
I think it's really odd that this is even something you are considering. The teacher doesn't send home a list of every little thing she is going to discuss with the class every day, right? Yet you let him go to her class. I feel this is kind of along the same lines.
L.

I think the question to ask yourself is what are you afraid of exactly? Is it just the not knowing part? If so, let him see it. You do not know what your child is being taught or told every moment he is away from you. Our president, even if you are not a fan, is not going to damage your child by one speech. Really, think about what he would realistically say that would be damaging. I think it would be more damaging to not allow him to hear what the leader of our nation has to say (which I'm sure will be positive and appropriate for children's ears). I thought the same thing when president Bush was going to give his speech to the kids. I cringed, but I never liked Bush (this is putting it super gently -lol)..... so, I had to ask myself the same question, and ultimately, the lesson about respecting our leaders, regardless of my opinion of their political perspectives, ultimately wins out for me. Our country chose this man to represent and lead our country, this is a fact... and I think exposing him to the truths is better than sheltering him from one perspective or another, which would be doing him a great disservice IMO.
ADDED:
History tells me (and I am overall a trusting person) that the presidents speeches have been positive, non-political messages to our children. It is the adult who find "political meanings" in their speeches and make a bigger deal out of them than is necessary. I hope to raise children who think for themselves. I want them to be able to understand all perspectives of the political system and why people feels so strongly about what they believe in and be RESPECTFUL of other ideas, even if they are different. My child may grow up to have a different political perspective than me, and to that, I will be proud... as I will have raised an independent, confident thinker (with some interesting, responsible, respectful dinner conversations about politics!) :-)

I think the kids should be allowed to watch a presidential speech. You should watch it as well so you can discuss it when your child gets home. If you don't work outside the home, go to the class and watch it with him/her.
Some kids wont "hear" anything because they arent into it, others will be interested enough and might have some questions. Teachers are supposed to be neutral with their answers, but they are only human so you never know what they might say..... that's why being prepared at home would be the mom homework.
I remember watch quite a few President speeches while in school but couldnt tell you they had an impact on me now... cant remember anything about them. I think it will be pretty benign to allow it.
AFTER the what happened: Another example of someone that already had their mind made up and didnt really want to hear anything but someone that agreed.

Personally I would be afraid that while my kids are watching the speech they would say something like "my mom & dad don't like Obama", "he likes to take peoples money & give it to people who choose not to work", "we hide our piggy banks so he doesn't steel our money". Politics are talked about quite a bit around our home.

Obama is in full campaign mode (instead of working on jobs). I am sure he won't say anything 'ignorant' but you do what you feel is right. And don't let anyone make you feel stupid for wanting to hear the speech first.

Please take this in the spirit in which it's intended but I find this dilemma to be completely unfounded.

First of all the planned remarks WERE released... here's a summary...
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hieoHP4...

That being said...
You NEVER get a transcript of what the adults in your child's class are going to say but you don't pull him from school. Why would you suddenly require a script in order to trust what the President of the United States would say in a speech TO CHILDREN.

What is it that you think he MIGHT say that you wouldn't want your son to hear? Listen to your teachers? Work hard? Study? Get good grades? Become an innovator? I just don't get it. It's just not a logical thing to be worried about.

Whatever, you're going to do what you're going to do... but seriously?

Your kindergartner has a brain, an ability to think and I assume, to have discussions with you about various topics. let him/her watch it! Later when you view it yourself, or read the transcript you can ask questions like, "Our president said X, Y, and Z. What do you think about that?" Use it as an opportunity to talk. If the president says something you're not pleased with, seize the day and talk about it with your child. :)

Are you asking because your child is real sensitive?
Maybe could be the next pres?
I think being patriotic is a good thing and they cant start too young understanding or trying to understand America.
Watching a speech is better than stewing in front of a vid game in my opinion.
It's "school" let him or her get a taste of it.

with the pattern of Obama's speeches it's likely not going to be anything he hasn't already said.
He's prob going to reference himself as an example of stay in school, eat healthy ( since Michelle has started that diet campaign)
Didn't he do this last year as well? Just go back and look that one up it may even be the same speech.

As much as I dislike the man, normally his school speeches are to tell the kids to work hard and they will have success. I don't like him talking to the kids, but the past has shown that he has only reiterated what we teach at home. That being said, if he were to throw in ANY piece of campaign nonsense to little kids, I'd gladly let my kids know my opinion of him.

Added - I find it funny that some are wondering why you want to see his speech first, when they know they would want to see President Bush's speech before they let their kids listen.

I guess I missed the part in this post where you "trashed the President"....I read your post to simply say that you prefer not to have your child listen to a speech until you read the transcript of it. I see nothing wrong with that and think it's exactly what you should do. Read the speech then decide for yourself whether you will want your child to watch it.

We had our son sent to the library to read when Obama gave a speech one time. Our son enjoyed it.

It is your call. Who cares what others think. I'm not sure what we will do this time but if our kids watch it, we will discuss it at home.

FWIW, I don't like his policies or his plan to "transform" America, but I don't think he will say anything controversial.

Geez, it's the President of the United States. I think at the very least we should all show some respect for the position, regardless of whether we like the guy or not, Democrat or Republican or Independent.

I mean, I was no big fan of President Bush, but I would have totally let my kid listen to one of his speeches, same as I would let my kid listen to President Obama. It's not about the party, it's about the position - the highest level you can aspire to in this country.

Yes, the kids are going to be bored out of their skulls. But it teaches them there is a President and gives them the first inklings of how our political system works. I definitely would not pull my kid out.

Then again, isn't it great that we live in a country where we have that choice? ;)

Based on his other speeches it will be the same thing with whatever he is trying to push through added as the point of interest. :p

I don't really filter things like this. The worst that comes of it is a discussion point for the evening.

Really guys you think it is going to be stay in school, don't do drugs? This man is in full out campaign mode. I wouldn't be at all surprised if there isn't a don't you want to support your teachers, I want to support your teachers, that is why I have my jobs bill going to Congress. Why don't you tell your parents you love your teachers and want to support them.

I wouldn't bet my house on this mind you but it will probably be in there in some form.

Again don't filter, use it as a discussion point. Ask them what they thought of the speech. I don't believe in teaching my children my political view, I believe in giving them the tools to form their own.

Sandy you are so right. I would imagine my kids will be counting the ceiling tiles or drawing their next work of art.

It keep seeing the last line of your post... Asking us to be nice to you. SO, I erased what I was going to say. Instead I simply say this " It's the President of the United States, what could he possible say to negatively influence your kindergartner?". I also remember how proud I was the win the Presidents physical fitness award in school. I remember thinking we must be important because the President of the United States took time from his busy job to speak (via tapped message) to speak to us kids.

If your kindergartener is anything like mine, he won't understand the speech, won't really pay that much attention to it, and won't remember it afterward! :)

My daughter doesn't even remember what she did at school all day.... haha

I understand you not wanting him to listen to it, but at this age I don't think he would understand anything other than the "stay in school" type stuff.

I can understand your concern...Kindergarten is only the beginning, I'm sure another presidential speech will pop up in your childs classroom in the future...just as with evrything else, you need to talk with your child about what was said/heard and get your views across... because what I would worry about more is not the Presidential speech but the Teachers/School systems views penetrating into your childs formative brain before your own families views.

I would probably take my child out of school for the day. In the past when I opted out of something for my kiddo I think it embarrassed him. He was sent to the library (along with any other kiddo that was pulled out) and everyone else went to the viewing, or whatever it was. It was very obvious who was "left out" and some kids made comments about it. For us, it is was just better to take him out of school for the day, especially if he wouldn't be missing anything super important (like exams) that day.

And as a side note: I don't see what your political views have to do with your question at all. I think it is good that you want to know what your child is being exposed to. I have always opted out, regardless of who the speaker is, if I could not get a copy of the transcript first. I'm sorry you have received some mean responses when it appears all you are doing is trying to be an attentive parent.

Why do you feel the need to preview his speech? Weird.

It is not like your child will understand everything he is talking about. The age group of your child does not have the attention span needed to actually hear what he is saying.

I am NOT an BO fan at all, can't stand him but his speeches to children are typically trying to motivate them to do the best they can with their studies and make a better life for themselves by making good choices.

I don't agree with his politics at all but that being said he is the President. I would continue to look for the trascript of the speech. It should be out by this afternoon. Review it and if you aren't comfortable with it then keep you son at home. You are the parent and if there is something that you don't agree with regarding the education of your child then you need to let the school know. I have no problem doing that at all. Our schools have gotten very liberal in nature and there has been a lot of rewriting of history. It is our responsibility as parents to ensure that the education our children receive is a balanced approach.

I wouldn't consider pulling my child from hearing the President speak!! If I was going to, then I should leave America. Whether I agree with him or not, he's the President so my children should get used to hearing him speak and then we can discuss what we agree or disagree with. There's no way to keep any child away from each and everything I disagree with and at least the President, if I do disagree with him, it someone worth teaching my children about. I am not a supporter of Obama but that can be half the point of having my kids hear him - teach them what we believe but also that this is America and everyone has a voice. Elections are important etc. If you had a preview of the speech, I'm not sure what difference it would make. He's the President. You can't hide from that and I'm not sure why you'd want to.

I agree with your concern about the lack of transcript ahead of time and think people take for granted that things are good for our children just because the schools provide it. My son was in Kindergarten last year and it seemed like I was the only mother who asked questions about activities and wanted details about things the school did. I was surprised and saddened by how many parents just accepted things as the "way it was" no matter how weird or vague the details were. I think it is wonderful that you are concerned about your child and sounds like you try to be a big part of his education too.

Without the transcript, I would take my son out for the day and take him to the museum or the zoo. Make it a fun family day and then he will not feel like he was left out of something at school...he will feel like he got a special day with his family. I would also let the school know why I pulled my son out and maybe they would work harder to provide the transcript in the future.

I agree with you and I would be uncomfortable having my kid watch an adult discussion without knowing the content ahead of time either. Besides, you can always record the speech and pre screen it. If you feel comfortable you can then watch it with him and discuss it yourselves outside of class.

I think having Kindergarteners sit quietly in class and watch a presidential speech is expecting a lot. My son knows who the president is and can recognize him by his picture, but I know my son would be very bored and hard put to sit still for a speech.

I have done that before when he took office. I just kept my kids home until after it was over. I guess the school did allow the kids to go to the gym during that time frame so they didn't have to watch it. See if your school has an alternative planned and if not then keep your kids home for a bit or even the day.

What is the point in having a kindergartener watch a presidential speech? Where is the logic here? They are to young to understand what is going on no matter what the party of the President is. How can that be brought down into the child's level of understanding? Who is going to explain what the speech is about? From who's view point is it going to be interpreted to the child. I would want to know what is going to be spoken about and what the objective of such an event is. I think I would take my kids out. I am not a fan of this President and I don't ever what my position as parent to be undermined by someone else's beliefs. Take the little guy out of class.

I might add I don't let my kids watch TV at home all that often. I don't think there is a whole lot educational on it. To think that people let kids watch trash on TV yet won't let them watch a Presidential speech is not reality in my house. I also have to review anything my kids watch at that age and that would include a Presidential speech.

Only one of my children is in school. It is usually a don't do drugs, don't skip, don't mess up your education speech. It is pretty benign.
In fact the Chemistry Class two years ago turned it off because she had better things to do with her AP Chem class than listen to some dude tell them to stay in school. (my daughter's words)
Kindergartners won't pay attention anyway. I wouldn't give it a second thought.

I would opt my child out. A kindergartener is not old enough to understand any of what will be said. A few years back when the schools were showing his speech to the children, our school opted NOT to show it. They agreed with the parents that it is the parents choice to have their sons/daughters partcipate. My children are old enough to listen and form their own opinions, but still, I would feel better with them being given the option of this being done in a family setting instead of a mandatory school setting. In my opinion, there should not be any homework associated with the President's speech for the older students, especially if parents have the option of opting their child out.

I think it's fine to pull him. I pulled both of mine last year, and actually this year our school chose not to participate. Sorry for others' rudeness.

Huh? My daughter is in kindergarten as well and I haven't heard anything about her class watching this. Do what YOU feel comfortable doing and don't feel guilty about it. Ignore the mean posters on here & don't worry about what the other parents are doing. I think you really want to keep your child home, if so, do it.

For the last two years, my stepson's school has offered the opt out option as well. We pulled him out both years (his dad, his mom and I all collectively agreed). Now, my first son is attending kindergarten at the same school district and we will once again be opting out (if they even show it to half day kindergartners). Your child will not be the only one, so don't worry about him feeling weird. If our school had not offered the opt out option, we would have pulled him out of school. Obviously, we feel very strongly about this topic and I think it is very good that most schools are offering the option of having some kids not view it.

Good morning Mango Momma, Me I would pull my child out. Thats all I'm going to say. J.

kindergarteners are not toddlers

I get where you are going with this...and IF I WERE in your spot...Yes, I would pull kiddo.

My mom refused to let me go on a field trip to a Holocaust memorial/exhibit. I was so embarrassed because I was in 5th grade....and would have thought I would be ok going...considering we had been studying it for a month in school.

My point is...She is in Preschool. One...she is not going to understand what is being said...even if broken down....I still have trouble understanding Political jargon.Two...The attention span of a PREK when it is something like a speech by and adult.....is about four minutes.

Ultimately, It is gonna come down to your choice. No one can make you let her watch it in class. If you DONT want it being seen...by all means pull them out.