Watching the inauguration with kids
Even though my children are too young to really understand the speeches and special significance of today’s inauguration, I wanted to witness this piece of history with them by my side.
I was not the only parent who pulled her children from school this morning to fill the auditorium of the St. Louis Science Center OMNIMAX theater. The seats were filled with young and old — people from all walks of life.
I bought a Kit Kat (in case I needed a bribe) and promised we would visit Sue the T. Rex if they paid attention for the next two hours. And, to my amazement, they did.
My six-year-old daughter and nearly four-year-old son clapped when Malia and Sasha appeared on the screen. And, they rose from their seats, along with most of the crowd, when Barack Obama walked onto the platform where he would take the oath of office.
They squirmed through some of the speeches. And they probably got some chocolate on the seats. My son grabbed my arm and hugged it when tears fell from my eyes. When our new president was sworn into office, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause, and I grabbed my two children and held them close to me.
They will grow up taking for granted the notion that a black family can live in the White House. My daughter has already asked me why there hasn’t been a woman president yet. All of that seems so matter-of-fact and within reach.
They have yet to really learn the history that makes this moment so meaningful for so many. But, they knew it as a special day. They saw in the faces of those who sat around us — the awe, the pride, the hope.
In their preschool class, their teacher had brought in a TV and told they children they could continue with their work or they could pull up a chair to watch. (It’s a Montessori classroom, so it’s all about choices). By the time Joe Biden was taking his oath of office, there were two small rows of chairs children had lined up to watch this moment in history. Their teacher, Ms. Pam, said they were watching Barack Obama make his promise.
A little boy named Jake stood up and held his hand over his heart as he watched the swearing in. Today, a promise was made and a promise fullfilled.
Aisha covered education and breaking news for nearly ten years before joining the Lifestyle staff where she writes a "Dirty Laundry" parenting column. She is the home and family editor and wastes too much time on Facebook and political blogs. 
Moving post. You really captured the day. I’m so glad you were able to share the day with us at the Science Center!
Interesting. I had a totally different perspective of the day. My family came over for an “I’m not going to watch that cr*p” party!
We had a great time not watching it and I hope my 4 year old doesn’t even remember who he is, years from now.
The party was great! I am really looking forward to our party for the Republican president in November 2012! People who watched the programming said it was painfully embarrassing to watch Mr. Perfect Hopey Change Change “dance”. I guess he can’t be good at everything. Well, I’m off to throw out some aluminum cans and plastic, run my heater while the windows are open, buy a gun, and drive around town with my 2 un-aborted babies wasting gas just for giggles!
It saddens me to see adults post comments like Jenny and Heathers, I wasn’t crazy about our out-going president but I always showed him the utmost respect especially infront of my children he was after all our Commander and Chief. It is important lesson that children learn that you can respectfully disagree with with others policy or oppinions. Lets all try to be adults here we all know that kids pick-up on our attitudes shouldn’t we want them to want a bright future instead of filling their minds with negitive energy.
My mother always told me if you haven’t something nice to say, better to say nothing at all.
Then why did you post?
Heather,
Please refrain from calling our President,Mr. Perfect Hopey Change Change atleast infront of childen. Thanks again, and take care .
mispelled children sorry
ForMyKids,
Last time I checked, this was still a free country. Of course, that will change soon, as Obama makes us into a socialist country.
I am disgusted that the people of this country voted him into office. I honestly didn’t think people would be so naive.
Jenny,lets not get ridiculous,now turn down Limbough and get with the program.
Freedom is priceless just look around we have come a long way baby!
Tell me, ForMyKids, did you go out of your way to defend George Bush from the ridiculous criticism he had to endure for 8 years? George W. Bush was an honest, Christian, family man who wanted nothing but the best for our country. He always did what was right-not what was popular or what would impress Hollywood and CNN. (Like Mr. Hopey Change Change)
The last time I checked, having a tan does not qualify you to lead the free world. I encourage you to name one accomplishment of Barack Hussein Obama. Just one political accomplishment. And no, being half black is not an accomplishment. Neither is being a community organizer or attending a racist church for 20 years.
So good luck finding that information.
Hint: Not even CNN or NY Times has found one yet. Get out the NoDoz-you’ll be looking for a while.