Today is a historic day for our nation as the 44th President of the United States is sworn in, our first African-American president. It is definitely a day to share with your children and include them in.

For my children, their education of the election started last year around this time when we started reading election-themed books. You may have held your own elections with your kids to show them how the voting process works or brought them with you to the polls this past Election Day to participate in kids voting. My third grader and my preschooler both participated in votes at school and at the polls and cheered for their candidates as early results started coming in on TV that evening.

Depending on the age of your child, they may already be exposed to the Presidential Inauguration at school. Take a moment to ask them how they felt and what they thought as Obama was sworn in. Explain to them the significance of the first African-American president and what it means for our country. Scholastic also has a site set up to show older children what it would be like to be president.

Show younger children pictures of past presidents or sing the national anthem with them. They can also participate by watching parts of the inauguration on TV. They will see the importance of it by your modeled behavior.

Taking time to include your children in the Presidential Inauguration will show the respect you have for the office and the significance of the day as President Obama is sworn in and gives his inaugural address. Help your children capture those memories and mark a historic event on the calendar as a family.

Photo by simpsontwin

Shaina Olmanson is a WAHM to her four children, ranging in age from eight years to four months. She can be found online sharing tips on transcribing from home at Transcription Talk.