Sitting around the table for a holiday gathering, and what comes up? Politics. It's like clockwork. Everyone gets comfortable with each other after catching up, and the conversation shifts to current events and politics. I listened as my family members debated the intent behind certain policies and the damage or good that they could do for our country. When frustration reached its pitch, someone from the table asked, "Well, what is the answer? How do we get better?"
At that moment, my husband spoke up and said, "You invest in our children. You make sure they have access to good education systems, healthy food, and health care. If we would invest in them today, we wouldn’t have to worry so much about tomorrow."
Amazingly, after a few seconds of thoughtful silence, everyone at the table agreed. Stripping away all the politics, my family was able to come to a consensus: take care of our kids and the rest will take care of itself.
This simple statement at the dinner table redirected the conversation. I then chimed in (I couldn't stand staying quiet any longer) and talked about our work at Texans Care. We discussed the data showing incredible success with programs like early education and early childhood intervention. It seemed that once we got past the rhetoric and started talking about what works, we could come to an agreement on many items. It was a good reminder that we aren't so far apart when it comes to what really matters and it empowered me to not give up on those that might need a little convincing along the way.
Editor's Note: This is part of a series from Texans Care for Children staff, asked to write on the theme "share why you care." During these weeks leading up to the elections and another legislative session, we hope you'll join us in the discussion.
