Political Party! Celebrate the Inauguration Family-Style

January 20, 2009, will mark a momentous occasion in American history as we swear in our first African-American president, Barack Obama. The youth appeal of the Democratic senator from Illinois was evident this election season—Obama gear was almost as likely to be sported at the play ground as at the water cooler, and over one million children voted blue in Nickelodeon's online 2008 Kids Pick the President "Kids' Vote". Clearly, the new generation is cutting their teeth on political awareness—and living through history. While they may have years to go before they can cast their first real ballots, you can still help your kids stay excited about democracy in action during this landmark inaugural week.

The swearing-in of our 44th chief executive of the United States will be far more meaningful to children if they understand what to expect. Starting in 1937, Inauguration Day has been slated for January 20th. Traditionally, the ceremony takes place around mid-day on the steps of Washington, D.C.'s United States Capitol and actual involves the administration of two oaths—that of the president-elect and the vice-president-elect. The oath of office requires the president-elect to affirm or swear to execute his office staunchly and "preserve, protect, and defend" the Constitution. The formalities are followed by parades, an inaugural speech and balls to celebrate the occasion.

Watch It
With most network television stations covering the inauguration, your kids may be hard pressed to miss the ceremonies. But if the CNN or MSNBC full coverage is a little too intense for your child, there are other ways to take part that may be more on their level. For a truly kid's eye view, children's network Nickelodeon is offering their own coverage of events. The network has invited Lily Collins (musician Phil Collins' tween daughter) and Lil’ J.J., both of whom covered the primaries, to report on the January 20th festivities during station commercial breaks and between prime-time shows. Nickelodeon's coverage, which reflects an unprecedented youth interest in the 2008 election, targets the same preteen demographic of Malia and Sasha Obama, the new First Kids.

To prepare your children for the solemnities of the inauguration, read the inaugural oath as contained in the Constitution—kids may be surprised to find out just how short it is. Obama takes for the theme of his inauguration “A New Birth of Freedom,” a nod to President Abraham Lincoln (upon whose Bible he will take the inaugural oath) and his Gettysburg Address. With that theme in mind, it might be fun for kids to create a card using words kids think Obama might use when he gives his inaugural address—change, hope, freedom, America, etc.—and play Inaugural Bingo as they watch the speech and listen for key words and phrases.

Write It
John F. Kennedy instituted the idea of an inaugural poet when he invited Robert Frost to read at his swearing-in ceremonies. Bill Clinton continued the tradition with Maya Angelou and Miller Williams, and Obama's choice, Elizabeth Alexander, is a Pulitzer Prize finalist who writes about themes near and dear to Obama's heart—crossing divides of culture and class.