Millions of South Africans will exercise their democratic right, voting for the party they wish to lead the country at this year’s democratic elections.
While this may be the day mzansi citizens have been waiting for, this also means that kids will be home as every citizen over the age of 18 is expected to take part in the elections.
Leaving kids at home for an unknown amount of time as the voting queues can sometimes be long, it is important to make sure you leave them with enough activities to get them through the day while you’re gone.
Let us look at a few fun activities parents can prepare for their kids before heading off to the voting polls.
Election day scavenger hunt – One way of involving your kids in the election spirit is to prepare an election day hunt for your little ones to search for around the house or yard by “creating a list of items related to elections, such as campaign signs or voter registration forms,” says award-winning and easy-to-use homeschool resources centre Daily Skills Building.
Candidate speeches – more fun in a group setup, get your kids to join in on the election conversation by creating their own speech on what they would do if they were to become president, “Have them pretend to be candidates and give speeches about why they would make great leaders. Encourage creativity, critical thinking, and inclusion of important issues, says the above mentioned hub.
Create the flag – encourage your kids to embark on a flag creation journey by colouring the flag’s national colours on posters or even a large piece of white cloth shares mom advice information hub Moms Rising.
Read an Election Day-themed book – South African history is rich of stories of hope and perseverance therefore, it would be a good thing to get your kids a book that highlights speaks of elections. Parent-friendly advice centre, Mommy Nearest suggests you, “Start with a kid-friendly book that introduces children to the concept of voting and elections.”
Create an election day memory book – encourage your kids to have fun by creating a memory book with political leaders and their parties. This does not have to be limited to mzansi leaders from the rest of the world. Daily Skills Building suggests to have the kids create journals or scrapbooks. They can document their experience on the day by creating drawings, photographs and ever written reflections, adds the hub.
Also see: 5 Tips to keep kids healthy in winter
