Teach Your Children Well: Impeachment Playlist

Regardless of which side of the political aisle you reside, you probably didn’t consider politics as you were planning to procreate. Now, many of us are faced with impossible questions like “Mom, what’s impeachment?” and “Was there collusion?” Hell, I’d much rather talk to my kids about sex or drugs, at least those make sense.

Here are a few songs to help break the ice with your offspring, so you can have your own deep and meaningful about the political chaos that is our modern world:

Fitz and The Tantrums: Dear Mr. President

Setting the stage for frustration is probably a good place to start. Why does the President matter? What is his/her responsibility? LA-based neo-soul group Fitz and The Trantrums created this Motown-esque anthem of modern life and artfully spun it into a desperate plea to the Oval Office.

“Hey put your foot down

and take a look ’round,

don’t like what you see.”

Surely those lyrics will spark a conversation with your kids. In fact, you may just reveal your kid’s political passion in the midst of this fun, upbeat tune.

Childish Gambino: This Is America

If you haven’t heard this song, you obviously weren’t one of the 30 million viewers that watched it on YouTube less than 48 hours after its release. While the song is a powerful exploration of racial inequality, the video explores even more from gun violence to sexism. If you don’t think that’s still relevant, I know at least 30 million people that tend to disagree. (warning: it is disturbing to watch and not for little ones)

Sting: The Russians

If you, like myself, grew up in the Cold War, you may remember the days when Russia was Enemy #1. But our kids may not understand what all of the hype is about. It’s like our Pearl Harbor-era parents explaining to us why they’re not excited to drive a Datsun. Turns out..the Russia thing is a long story. Why not let Sting tell it?

The Honey Drippers: Impeach The President

Then you can show your kids that not only is impeachment an old argument, sometimes it can be used to spark great art. Case in point, The Honeydrippers classic soul groove that has been sampled by everyone from Notorious B.I.G. to Snoop Dogg to Nas. Even if you’d prefer to keep him in office, your feet may just disagree when you rock this irresistible track.

Kool and the Gang: Celebration

Maybe he gets impeached. Maybe he doesn’t. Either way, someone will have something to celebrate. Plus, maybe you haven’t been to a wedding in a while and may need to brush up on your Sprinkler, Moonwalk or Macarena– whatever your special brand of familial humiliation is..you get it!

Whatever unfolds in Washington, it will leave all of us with lots of questions. I, for one, plan to tackle them with a few long drives.