how to raise a citizen

(And Why It’s Up to You to Do It)

by Lindsey Cormack

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.

“In How to Raise a Citizen, Cormack explores the urgent need for effective civic attention in our homes. 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. More importantly, it emphasizes the skill of engaging in respectful, informed discussions, a key component of democratic participation. How to Raise a Citizen is more than just a parenting guide―it's a tool to nurture the next generation of informed, engaged, and responsible citizens, ready to contribute to a more functional democracy.”

— Dolly Chugh, author of The Person You Mean to Be and A More Just Future, professor at the NYU Stern School of Business

“I've already started incorporating Lindsey's tactics from How to Raise a Citizen in my parenting! My 1-year-old daughter and 5 year-old-son are listening and engaging in conversations about voting, political leadership and the issues they care most about. I hope many parents take on this incredible responsibility as we shape the next generation of voters, policymakers, and political leaders.”

— Sara Guillermo, CEO of Ignite

"Prof. Lindsey Cormack reminds us that saving our democracy starts at home. How to Raise a Citizen is a vital resource for parents who want their kids to be curious, informed and engaged."

— Christian Vanderbrouk, contributor to The Bulwark and former George W. Bush appointee

“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

“We all have the power to build a better democracy―and it begins at home. But if it feels like the only thing more complicated than parenting is our polarized and complex political system, Lindsey Cormack makes the never-more-essential task of civics education come alive in this passionate and non-partisan how-to manual for inspiring our kids about the possibilities of democracy. Bonus point: It doubles as a master-class for parents, as well. Our politics might be brutish, and too many Thanksgiving dinners have been ruined by red vs blue food fights. But what Cormack understands is that democracy dies in silence, and that parents need to do this job because no one else will. Follow her advice and something important will be fun, get your kids talking, and maybe inspire them for life. Our national conversation starts with you.”

— David Daley, best-selling author of Unrigged: How Americans Are Battling Back to Save Democracy

“In this timely, readable book, Professor Lindsey Cormack reminds us that preserving democracy requires purposeful, lifelong learning and practice. Yet, we often fail to equip our children with the knowledge and tools they need to become empowered citizens. With practical wisdom and relatable advice, Cormack provides parents with a roadmap to help their children grow into adults capable of fixing our broken politics and safeguarding our democratic traditions.”

—Andrew Buher, Princeton University

the author

lindsey cormack

@howtoraiseacitizen
Lindsey Cormack is an associate professor of Political Science and Director of the Diplomacy Lab at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. Her first book, Congress and U.S. Veterans: From the GI Bill to the VA Crisis investigates the differences between legislative efforts and lip service paid to veterans by members of the US Congress. Her second book, How to Raise a Citizen & Why it’s Up to You to Do It, aims to reinvigorate multigenerational political discussion and governmental know-how after examining the somewhat dire state of civic education in the United States.

She earned her PhD in Government from New York University and is raising a daughter on the Upper East Side. She currently serves as the Secretary for Community Board 8 in Manhattan.

Her research has been published in Political Behavior, Congress & the Presidency, Legislative Studies Quarterly, Political Science Research and Methods, American Politics Research, Politics & Policy, Politics Groups & Identities, Politics & Gender, The Journal of Gender Studies, Energy Economics, The Legislative Scholar as well as in popular outlets including the New York Times, The Washington Post, FiveThirtyEight, ProPublica, Roll Call, The New York Post, NBC News, the LSE USCentre, and The Hill, and more.

She created and maintains the digital database of all official Congress-to-constituent e-newsletters in the DCinbox Project.