How to Raise a Citizen (and Why It's Up to You to Do It) - by Lindsey Cormack

Book Synopsis

An essential guide to nurturing the next generation of responsible, informed citizens

Lindsey Cormack's book, How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It's Up to You to Do It), speaks directly to an America in which civic knowledge is alarmingly sparse and many people dread politics. It's a tool for parents, educators, and anyone eager to fill this gap. In the book, Cormack offers an engaging and practical approach to discussing political issues and the inner workings of the U.S. government with children. She explains why our schools can no longer be the sites of civic education that they used to be and provides parents with strategies and necessary know-how to be able to impart these lessons to their children. From the intricacies of the voting process to the foundational principles of democracy and the significance of key government documents like the Constitution, the author demystifies complex topics with clarity and insight.

You'll also find:

• Data about the current state of the American citizenry, our educational approaches to civics, and the risks of civic disengagement
• A framework for starting important political discussions at home
• Comprehensive explanations of American federalism and how different branches of government are responsible for different functions
• Strategies for navigating federal, state, and local elections

How to Raise a Citizen is a roadmap to a future where political dialogue and civic engagement are not just encouraged but celebrated in our homes. With actionable advice and easy-to-understand explanations, it empowers readers to instill a sense of civic responsibility and curiosity in the young minds they influence.

Perfect for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone committed to cultivating an informed and active citizenry, this book is an indispensable resource for guiding children to understand, appreciate, and participate in the democratic process. Equip yourself with the knowledge and strategies to raise engaged citizens in today's politically charged world by adding How to Raise a Citizen to your library.

From the Back Cover

How to Raise a Citizen shows how the future of our democracy relies on how we teach children about politics and government. No one likes how our politics feels or functions, but that can't change unless we change the ways we talk about and teach civics. U.S. schools can't do this work effectively on their own, it's up to each of us to do a little more. This book equips parents, teachers, and anyone aiming for a better politics with a roadmap for how we can raise a new generation of intentional citizens (and become better citizens ourselves).

PRAISE FOR HOW TO RAISE A CITIZEN

"With democratic engagement at a critical juncture, this book serves as a guide for parents striving to fill the gaps left by formal education systems in political and civic understanding. This book provides practical strategies to help parents pass on the foundational knowledge every young adult should have before stepping out into the world in order to be as powerful as possible."
--DOLLY CHUGH, author of The Person You Mean to Be and A More Just Future, professor at the NYU Stern School of Business

"We all have the power to build a better democracy--and it begins at home. Lindsey Cormack makes the never-more-essential task of civics education come alive in this passionate and nonpartisan how-to manual for inspiring our kids about the possibilities of democracy."
--DAVID DALEY, bestselling author of Unrigged: How Americans Are Battling Back to Save Democracy

"Cormack makes a compelling case that parents play a vital role in raising engaged citizens. This comprehensive guide is a must-read for parents who know our kids need to be more involved in our democracy, but don't know where to start."
--JULIE LYTHCOTT-HAIMS, New York Times bestselling author of How to Raise an Adult

About the Author

LINDSEY CORMACK, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Stevens Institute of Technology. She is a contributor to the New York Times, Washington Post, CBS News, Fox News, Bloomberg, FiveThirtyEight and other media outlets. She authored Congress and U.S. Veterans: From the GI Bill to the VA Crisis and runs DCinbox.