June 30th 2024.
As I sat down at the dinner table for our usual fajita night, I couldn't help but anticipate the same mundane topics that would inevitably arise. I was ready to complain about Kent's abysmal cricket season and discuss the new shop that had recently opened on the High Street. And of course, there would be some incomprehensible event on TikTok that my stepson, like any typical teenager, would surely bring up.
But to my surprise, my 16-year-old stepson had something different to say this time. "I was looking at the election today," he said. "I saw this really good video." My jaw nearly hit the floor. You see, my stepson is your average teen, obsessed with social media and currently focused on getting through his GCSEs. The fact that he was talking about the upcoming general election, despite not being old enough to vote, was a pleasant shock.
I couldn't help but feel proud and excited for this new development in our relationship. Maybe this was the start of a new chapter where we could have meaningful discussions about important issues. However, my excitement quickly turned to concern when I found out the star of the video was not someone whose beliefs and values aligned with mine.
You see, as an undiagnosed, bipolar teenager, I was easily influenced and constantly searching for a cause to stand for. I eventually found that cause in animal rights and became an angry vegan. I was convinced that I was right and everyone else was wrong, including my own parents. Even now, years later, my mother still flinches at the thought of a disagreement between us.
But as I grew older and became a teacher, I realized that I couldn't impose my beliefs on others. My job was to encourage discussion and critical thinking, not force my opinions onto my students. This realization also extended to my passion for politics. So when I left teaching to work at the Houses of Parliament, I made sure to lead discussions with young people in a neutral and open-minded manner.
So now, as a 43-year-old, I am faced with a dilemma. How do I convince my teen stepson that this candidate is not as cool as they seem? How do I explain to him that their popularity on TikTok does not necessarily make them a qualified and responsible leader? I can't exactly rely on my own outdated knowledge of what's "cool." And let's be real, what 16-year-old takes advice on vibes from their elders anyway?
But perhaps this is just a phase for my stepson, like it was for me as a teenager. Maybe he will eventually learn to look beyond the surface and make informed decisions based on policies and values. After all, I was able to change and grow as I got older. And even though politics will always be my passion, I now understand that not everyone will share my views and that's okay. What's important is to have open and respectful discussions, even with those who may not agree with us.
In the end, I suppose the only thing I can do is to continue being a positive influence and role model for my stepson. And who knows, maybe one day we'll be able to have those meaningful discussions about politics that I've been dreaming of. But for now, I'll just have to accept that my stepson's current obsession may not align with my own beliefs, and that's okay. After all, we all have our own journeys and experiences that shape us into who we are.
As I sat down to enjoy a delicious fajita dinner, I braced myself for the usual topics of conversation that would inevitably arise. I was prepared to gripe about Kent's disappointing cricket season, and perhaps discuss the new shop that had recently opened on the High Street. Of course, there would also be some incomprehensible event from TikTok that I would struggle to understand.
But then, my 16-year-old stepson surprised me with his unexpected statement. "I was looking at the election today," he said, "and I saw this really good video." I was taken aback and almost fell off my chair. You see, my stepson is your typical teenager, more interested in social media and focused on his upcoming GCSE exams. The fact that he was even mentioning the election in any form was a pleasant surprise for me.
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But despite my excitement at my stepson's newfound interest in politics, there was one problem - the star of the video he mentioned was not someone whose thoughts, policies, or ethos aligned with mine. As an undiagnosed, bipolar teenager, I couldn't help but feel a surge of anger. How could he be drawn to this candidate simply because of their antics on TikTok?
As a 43-year-old, I found myself in a tricky situation. How could I convince my teenage stepson that this candidate wasn't as cool as they seemed? I was clearly not the most knowledgeable about these trendy things, and at 16, who takes advice on vibes from their elders anyway?
But then, I remembered my own teenage years, when I was an undiagnosed, bipolar teenager constantly in search of a cause. I had eventually settled on animal rights and became vegan in 1998. I was always angry, especially towards those who wore leather, used animal-tested products, and ate meat. I was convinced that there was a clear right and wrong, and most people fell into the "wrong" category.
I wasn't interested in having discussions or conversations with anyone who didn't share my beliefs - including my own parents, peers at school, and even strangers on the Tube. And even though it has been 25 years, my mother still flinches at the thought of having a disagreement with me.
But as I grew older and became a teacher, I realized that I needed to change my approach. My job was not to impose my views on my students, but rather to inspire them, engage them, and encourage discussions in the classroom. I could still hold onto my own beliefs, but I had to accept that not everyone would think the same way as me - and that was okay.
Despite my love for teaching, politics had always been my true passion. So when I was 28 and had a child of my own, I left teaching and got a job at the Houses of Parliament, leading sessions for young people on school trips. I may have hated teaching about Jane Austen, but I learned that my role was not to push my own opinions onto others, but rather to facilitate open-minded discussions and debates.
My stepson may have his own reasons for being drawn to a certain candidate, but I am hopeful that with time and open communication, we can have meaningful discussions about politics and ultimately, make a positive impact in our society.
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