Civic Parenting en © 2026 National Constitution Center. All Rights Reserved. Civic Parenting is a special 10-episode series hosted by Julie Silverbrook of the National Constitution Center, joined by Lindsey Cormack, author of How to Raise a Citizen, and Sarah Vacchiano of CivicEQ. Together, they explore how civic learning takes shape in the ordinary moments of family life. Civic parenting is the intentional practice of welcoming children into the American story and preparing them for the responsibilities of self-government. Listen to Civic Parenting and join a national conversation about how we raise the next generation of citizens. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/a1d82be6-3ccb-11f1-8fd0-47316fea5d66/image/b37628fadf6bd973ab397a9e0734e890.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress Civic Parenting no episodic What does it mean to raise citizens in a constitutional democracy? National Constitution Center Civic Parenting is a special 10-episode series hosted by Julie Silverbrook of the National Constitution Center, joined by Lindsey Cormack, author of How to Raise a Citizen, and Sarah Vacchiano of CivicEQ. Together, they explore how civic learning takes shape in the ordinary moments of family life. Civic parenting is the intentional practice of welcoming children into the American story and preparing them for the responsibilities of self-government. Listen to Civic Parenting and join a national conversation about how we raise the next generation of citizens. Civic Parenting is a special 10-episode series hosted by Julie Silverbrook of the National Constitution Center, joined by Lindsey Cormack, author of How to Raise a Citizen, and Sarah Vacchiano of CivicEQ.

Together, they explore how civic learning takes shape in the ordinary moments of family life. Civic parenting is the intentional practice of welcoming children into the American story and preparing them for the responsibilities of self-government.

Listen to Civic Parenting and join a national conversation about how we raise the next generation of citizens.


]]> National Constitution Center podcast@constitutioncenter.org The Great American Road Trip In this episode, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author Beverly Gage joins Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer, to discuss her recently published book, This Land Is Your Land: A Road Trip Through U.S. History, and the enduring tradition of the great American road trip. Together, they explore how family travel can bring 250 years of American history to life, connecting children and adults alike to the people, places, stories, and ideals that have shaped the nation. From George Washington's travels across the young nation to today's family road trips, Americans have long understood that one of the best ways to get to know the country is to experience it firsthand. Beverly and Julie discuss how museums, historic sites, national parks, local landmarks, and even unexpected roadside stops can spark curiosity, encourage meaningful conversations, and help families better understand America's past and present. The conversation concludes with Beverly, Julie, Lindsey Cormack, and Sarah Vacchiano sharing where they're road tripping with their own families this summer and reflecting on how travel can create lasting memories while inspiring a deeper appreciation for the ongoing American story.  Resources  Beverly Gage, This Land is Your Land: A Road Trip Through U.S. History (2026)  “America Turns 250: A Guide to the Coming Festivities,” The New York Times (Jan. 22, 2026)  “America 250 Calendar: Ways to Celebrate the Nation Across the Nation,” The Wall Street Journal (June 6, 2026) Stay Connected and Learn More  Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠  Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr  Explore the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Explore ⁠⁠⁠We the People⁠⁠⁠ for a deeper dive    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate   Follow, rate, and review wherever you listen   Join us at the ⁠⁠⁠museum⁠⁠⁠, attend an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Support our important work:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate⁠⁠⁠  Tue, 09 Jun 2026 09:00:00 -0000 The Great American Road Trip full National Constitution Center Pulitzer Prize winner Beverly Gage on her new book This Land Is Your Land and how family travel can bring 250 years of American history to life In this episode, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author Beverly Gage joins Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer, to discuss her recently published book, This Land Is Your Land: A Road Trip Through U.S. History, and the enduring tradition of the great American road trip. Together, they explore how family travel can bring 250 years of American history to life, connecting children and adults alike to the people, places, stories, and ideals that have shaped the nation. From George Washington's travels across the young nation to today's family road trips, Americans have long understood that one of the best ways to get to know the country is to experience it firsthand. Beverly and Julie discuss how museums, historic sites, national parks, local landmarks, and even unexpected roadside stops can spark curiosity, encourage meaningful conversations, and help families better understand America's past and present. The conversation concludes with Beverly, Julie, Lindsey Cormack, and Sarah Vacchiano sharing where they're road tripping with their own families this summer and reflecting on how travel can create lasting memories while inspiring a deeper appreciation for the ongoing American story.  Resources  Beverly Gage, This Land is Your Land: A Road Trip Through U.S. History (2026)  “America Turns 250: A Guide to the Coming Festivities,” The New York Times (Jan. 22, 2026)  “America 250 Calendar: Ways to Celebrate the Nation Across the Nation,” The Wall Street Journal (June 6, 2026) Stay Connected and Learn More  Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠⁠  Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr  Explore the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Explore ⁠⁠⁠We the People⁠⁠⁠ for a deeper dive    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate   Follow, rate, and review wherever you listen   Join us at the ⁠⁠⁠museum⁠⁠⁠, attend an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Support our important work:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate⁠⁠⁠  In this episode, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author Beverly Gage joins Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer, to discuss her recently published book, This Land Is Your Land: A Road Trip Through U.S. History, and the enduring tradition of the great American road trip. Together, they explore how family travel can bring 250 years of American history to life, connecting children and adults alike to the people, places, stories, and ideals that have shaped the nation. From George Washington's travels across the young nation to today's family road trips, Americans have long understood that one of the best ways to get to know the country is to experience it firsthand. Beverly and Julie discuss how museums, historic sites, national parks, local landmarks, and even unexpected roadside stops can spark curiosity, encourage meaningful conversations, and help families better understand America's past and present. The conversation concludes with Beverly, Julie, Lindsey Cormack, and Sarah Vacchiano sharing where they're road tripping with their own families this summer and reflecting on how travel can create lasting memories while inspiring a deeper appreciation for the ongoing American story. 


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]]> 3298 Justice Neil Gorsuch and Janie Nitze discuss their new children’s book, Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration of Independence In this special episode of Civic Parenting, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil M. Gorsuch, honorary co-chair of the National Constitution Center, and his co-author and former law clerk Janie Nitze join Julie Silverbrook to discuss their new children’s book, Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration of Independence. The book introduces readers to both familiar figures such as Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere, as well as lesser-known participants in the American story, including Caesar Rodney, and Mary Katharine Goddard. Together, their stories highlight the risks, choices, and debates that shaped the nation’s founding.   Justice Gorsuch and Nitze also discuss how stories can help children connect with the founding era, why it matters to introduce young learners to both famous and lesser-known figures from our nation's past, and how families can use America's 250th anniversary as an opportunity to deepen civic curiosity, strengthen historical understanding, and help prepare the next generation for the responsibilities of citizenship and self-government.  Resources   Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration of Independence  National Constitution Center, Civic Story Hour with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil M. Gorsuch and Janie Nitze  National Constitution Center, The Declaration of Independence  National Constitution Center, Family Learning Resources  National Constitution Center, Civic Quest, a new play-based family learning experience  National Constitution Center, NCC Trivial Pursuit: Exploring America’s Story (Bitesize)  Julie Silverbrook, “At 250, America Needs Civic Parenting, Not Just Civics Classes,” The Fulcrum (May 5, 2026) Stay Connected and Learn More  Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠  Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr  Explore the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Explore ⁠⁠We the People⁠⁠ for a deeper dive    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate   Follow, rate, and review wherever you listen   Join us at the ⁠⁠museum⁠⁠, attend an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Support our important work:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate⁠⁠  Wed, 03 Jun 2026 17:04:00 -0000 Justice Neil Gorsuch and Janie Nitze discuss their new children’s book, Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration of Independence full National Constitution Center U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil M. Gorsuch, honorary co-chair of the National Constitution Center, and his co-author and former law clerk Janie Nitze join the Center to discuss their new children’s book, Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration of Independence In this special episode of Civic Parenting, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil M. Gorsuch, honorary co-chair of the National Constitution Center, and his co-author and former law clerk Janie Nitze join Julie Silverbrook to discuss their new children’s book, Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration of Independence. The book introduces readers to both familiar figures such as Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere, as well as lesser-known participants in the American story, including Caesar Rodney, and Mary Katharine Goddard. Together, their stories highlight the risks, choices, and debates that shaped the nation’s founding.   Justice Gorsuch and Nitze also discuss how stories can help children connect with the founding era, why it matters to introduce young learners to both famous and lesser-known figures from our nation's past, and how families can use America's 250th anniversary as an opportunity to deepen civic curiosity, strengthen historical understanding, and help prepare the next generation for the responsibilities of citizenship and self-government.  Resources   Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration of Independence  National Constitution Center, Civic Story Hour with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil M. Gorsuch and Janie Nitze  National Constitution Center, The Declaration of Independence  National Constitution Center, Family Learning Resources  National Constitution Center, Civic Quest, a new play-based family learning experience  National Constitution Center, NCC Trivial Pursuit: Exploring America’s Story (Bitesize)  Julie Silverbrook, “At 250, America Needs Civic Parenting, Not Just Civics Classes,” The Fulcrum (May 5, 2026) Stay Connected and Learn More  Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠⁠  Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr  Explore the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Explore ⁠⁠We the People⁠⁠ for a deeper dive    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate   Follow, rate, and review wherever you listen   Join us at the ⁠⁠museum⁠⁠, attend an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Support our important work:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate⁠⁠  In this special episode of Civic Parenting, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Neil M. Gorsuch, honorary co-chair of the National Constitution Center, and his co-author and former law clerk Janie Nitze join Julie Silverbrook to discuss their new children’s book, Heroes of 1776: The Story of the Declaration of Independence. The book introduces readers to both familiar figures such as Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere, as well as lesser-known participants in the American story, including Caesar Rodney, and Mary Katharine Goddard. Together, their stories highlight the risks, choices, and debates that shaped the nation’s founding.  

Justice Gorsuch and Nitze also discuss how stories can help children connect with the founding era, why it matters to introduce young learners to both famous and lesser-known figures from our nation's past, and how families can use America's 250th anniversary as an opportunity to deepen civic curiosity, strengthen historical understanding, and help prepare the next generation for the responsibilities of citizenship and self-government. 

Resources  

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate⁠⁠ 

]]> 1603 Learning Civic Hope, Optimism, and Resilience Alongside Our Children In this episode, we explore how families can cultivate civic hope, optimism, and resilience at a moment when many parents and children are navigating narratives of distrust, division, and social isolation. Ashley Berner, director of the Johns Hopkins University's Institute for Education Policy and an associate professor of education, joins Julie Silverbrook, Lindsey Cormack, and Sarah Vacchiano to discuss how resilience, hope, and optimism begin in the everyday moments of family life — learning frustration tolerance through a difficult puzzle, negotiating responsibilities at home, caring for shared spaces, and practicing how to disagree respectfully while remaining connected to one another.  Throughout the conversation, we examine how these small relational experiences help children build the psychological and civic muscles necessary for life in a constitutional democracy. We talk about the importance of teaching children that democracy is not built on unanimity, but on learning how to live, work, and solve problems together despite our differences. Together, we reflect on how families, schools, libraries, museums, and local civic institutions can work together to nurture the next generation of engaged citizens and strengthen the habits of self-government that sustain constitutional democracy.  Resources  National Constitution Center, Family Learning Resources  National Constitution Center, Civic Quest, a new play-based family learning experience  National Constitution Center, NCC Trivial Pursuit: Exploring America’s Story (Bitesize)  Julie Silverbrook, “At 250, America Needs Civic Parenting, Not Just Civics Classes,” The Fulcrum (May 5, 2026)  Rick Hess, “What Is Civic Hope? And Why Should Schools Care About It?,” Education Week (March 17, 2026)   Lindsey Cormack, How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It's up to You to Do It) (2024)  Sarah Vacchiano, Civic EQ  Stay Connected and Learn More  Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠  Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr  Explore the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Explore ⁠We the People⁠ for a deeper dive    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate   Follow, rate, and review wherever you listen   Join us at the ⁠museum⁠, attend an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Support our important work:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate⁠  Tue, 19 May 2026 15:05:00 -0000 Learning Civic Hope, Optimism, and Resilience Alongside Our Children full National Constitution Center Exploring how to build civic muscles in the everyday In this episode, we explore how families can cultivate civic hope, optimism, and resilience at a moment when many parents and children are navigating narratives of distrust, division, and social isolation. Ashley Berner, director of the Johns Hopkins University's Institute for Education Policy and an associate professor of education, joins Julie Silverbrook, Lindsey Cormack, and Sarah Vacchiano to discuss how resilience, hope, and optimism begin in the everyday moments of family life — learning frustration tolerance through a difficult puzzle, negotiating responsibilities at home, caring for shared spaces, and practicing how to disagree respectfully while remaining connected to one another.  Throughout the conversation, we examine how these small relational experiences help children build the psychological and civic muscles necessary for life in a constitutional democracy. We talk about the importance of teaching children that democracy is not built on unanimity, but on learning how to live, work, and solve problems together despite our differences. Together, we reflect on how families, schools, libraries, museums, and local civic institutions can work together to nurture the next generation of engaged citizens and strengthen the habits of self-government that sustain constitutional democracy.  Resources  National Constitution Center, Family Learning Resources  National Constitution Center, Civic Quest, a new play-based family learning experience  National Constitution Center, NCC Trivial Pursuit: Exploring America’s Story (Bitesize)  Julie Silverbrook, “At 250, America Needs Civic Parenting, Not Just Civics Classes,” The Fulcrum (May 5, 2026)  Rick Hess, “What Is Civic Hope? And Why Should Schools Care About It?,” Education Week (March 17, 2026)   Lindsey Cormack, How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It's up to You to Do It) (2024)  Sarah Vacchiano, Civic EQ  Stay Connected and Learn More  Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org⁠  Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr  Explore the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Explore ⁠We the People⁠ for a deeper dive    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate   Follow, rate, and review wherever you listen   Join us at the ⁠museum⁠, attend an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Support our important work:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate⁠  In this episode, we explore how families can cultivate civic hope, optimism, and resilience at a moment when many parents and children are navigating narratives of distrust, division, and social isolation. Ashley Berner, director of the Johns Hopkins University's Institute for Education Policy and an associate professor of education, joins Julie Silverbrook, Lindsey Cormack, and Sarah Vacchiano to discuss how resilience, hope, and optimism begin in the everyday moments of family life — learning frustration tolerance through a difficult puzzle, negotiating responsibilities at home, caring for shared spaces, and practicing how to disagree respectfully while remaining connected to one another. 

Throughout the conversation, we examine how these small relational experiences help children build the psychological and civic muscles necessary for life in a constitutional democracy. We talk about the importance of teaching children that democracy is not built on unanimity, but on learning how to live, work, and solve problems together despite our differences. Together, we reflect on how families, schools, libraries, museums, and local civic institutions can work together to nurture the next generation of engaged citizens and strengthen the habits of self-government that sustain constitutional democracy. 


Resources 


Stay Connected and Learn More 

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate⁠ 

]]> 3491 no All Parenting Is Civic: How Civic Life Begins at Home  In this inaugural episode, Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer of the National Constitution Center, Lindsey Cormack, author of How to Raise a Citizen, and Sarah Vacchiano of CivicEQ introduce civic parenting as a longstanding tradition rooted in the nation’s founding and explore what it looks like in practice today. Through personal stories and lived examples, they reflect on how civic identity takes shape over time, often in ways that are informal, unplanned, and deeply embedded in family life. They discuss how the habits of self-government are formed not only in the classroom, but at home—around dinner tables, before bedtime, on national holidays, and in everyday moments. These are the spaces where children begin to learn how to listen, reason, ask questions, and see themselves as part of a larger civic community. Civic parenting does not require expertise in history or government—it starts with curiosity, conversation, and a willingness to learn alongside children. By modeling thoughtful engagement, civil dialogue, and a sense of shared responsibility, parents and caregivers can create the “civic sparks” that invite young people into the American story and help to prepare them for a lifetime of participation in our constitutional democracy.  Resources  National Constitution Center, Family Learning Resources  National Constitution Center, Civic Quest, a new play-based family learning experience  Lindsey Cormack, How to Raise a Citizen (And Why it's up to You to Do It), (2024)  Sarah Vacchiano, Civic EQ  Stay Connected and Learn More  Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org  Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr  Explore the ⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠  Explore We the People for a deeper dive    ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate   Follow, rate, and review wherever you listen   Join us at the museum, attend an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠,⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠  Support our important work:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate  Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:31:00 -0000 All Parenting Is Civic: How Civic Life Begins at Home full National Constitution Center Explore how to embrace civic parenting in everyday life with Julie Silverbrook, Lindsey Cormack, and Sarah Vacchiano  In this inaugural episode, Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer of the National Constitution Center, Lindsey Cormack, author of How to Raise a Citizen, and Sarah Vacchiano of CivicEQ introduce civic parenting as a longstanding tradition rooted in the nation’s founding and explore what it looks like in practice today. Through personal stories and lived examples, they reflect on how civic identity takes shape over time, often in ways that are informal, unplanned, and deeply embedded in family life. They discuss how the habits of self-government are formed not only in the classroom, but at home—around dinner tables, before bedtime, on national holidays, and in everyday moments. These are the spaces where children begin to learn how to listen, reason, ask questions, and see themselves as part of a larger civic community. Civic parenting does not require expertise in history or government—it starts with curiosity, conversation, and a willingness to learn alongside children. By modeling thoughtful engagement, civil dialogue, and a sense of shared responsibility, parents and caregivers can create the “civic sparks” that invite young people into the American story and help to prepare them for a lifetime of participation in our constitutional democracy.  Resources  National Constitution Center, Family Learning Resources  National Constitution Center, Civic Quest, a new play-based family learning experience  Lindsey Cormack, How to Raise a Citizen (And Why it's up to You to Do It), (2024)  Sarah Vacchiano, Civic EQ  Stay Connected and Learn More  Questions or comments about the show? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠podcast@constitutioncenter.org  Continue the conversation by following us on social media @ConstitutionCtr  Explore the ⁠⁠⁠⁠America at 250 Civic Toolkit⁠⁠⁠⁠  Explore We the People for a deeper dive    ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠ to receive Constitution Weekly, our email roundup of constitutional news and debate   Follow, rate, and review wherever you listen   Join us at the museum, attend an upcoming ⁠⁠⁠⁠live program⁠,⁠⁠⁠ or watch recordings on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠  Support our important work:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠Donate   In this inaugural episode, Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer of the National Constitution Center, Lindsey Cormack, author of How to Raise a Citizen, and Sarah Vacchiano of CivicEQ introduce civic parenting as a longstanding tradition rooted in the nation’s founding and explore what it looks like in practice today. Through personal stories and lived examples, they reflect on how civic identity takes shape over time, often in ways that are informal, unplanned, and deeply embedded in family life. They discuss how the habits of self-government are formed not only in the classroom, but at home—around dinner tables, before bedtime, on national holidays, and in everyday moments. These are the spaces where children begin to learn how to listen, reason, ask questions, and see themselves as part of a larger civic community. Civic parenting does not require expertise in history or government—it starts with curiosity, conversation, and a willingness to learn alongside children. By modeling thoughtful engagement, civil dialogue, and a sense of shared responsibility, parents and caregivers can create the “civic sparks” that invite young people into the American story and help to prepare them for a lifetime of participation in our constitutional democracy. 


Resources 


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]]> 2830 Trailer: Civic Parenting What does it mean to raise citizens in a constitutional democracy? Civic Parenting is a special 10-episode series hosted by Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer of the National Constitution Center, joined by Lindsey Cormack, author of How to Raise a Citizen, and Sarah Vacchiano of CivicEQ. Each episode explores how those habits take shape in real life. From reading and storytelling to navigating disagreement, from family routines to community experiences, the series offers practical ways to connect everyday moments to the enduring principles of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. This is a series for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone who believes that the work of citizenship begins at home. FollowCivic Parenting in your favorite podcast app and join a national conversation about how we raise the next generation of citizens. Wed, 22 Apr 2026 20:48:00 -0000 Civic Parenting trailer National Constitution Center Follow Civic Parenting in your favorite podcast app and join a national conversation about how we raise the next generation of citizens. What does it mean to raise citizens in a constitutional democracy? Civic Parenting is a special 10-episode series hosted by Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer of the National Constitution Center, joined by Lindsey Cormack, author of How to Raise a Citizen, and Sarah Vacchiano of CivicEQ. Each episode explores how those habits take shape in real life. From reading and storytelling to navigating disagreement, from family routines to community experiences, the series offers practical ways to connect everyday moments to the enduring principles of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. This is a series for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone who believes that the work of citizenship begins at home. FollowCivic Parenting in your favorite podcast app and join a national conversation about how we raise the next generation of citizens. What does it mean to raise citizens in a constitutional democracy?

Civic Parenting is a special 10-episode series hosted by Julie Silverbrook, chief content and learning officer of the National Constitution Center, joined by Lindsey Cormack, author of How to Raise a Citizen, and Sarah Vacchiano of CivicEQ.

Each episode explores how those habits take shape in real life. From reading and storytelling to navigating disagreement, from family routines to community experiences, the series offers practical ways to connect everyday moments to the enduring principles of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. This is a series for parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone who believes that the work of citizenship begins at home.

FollowCivic Parenting in your favorite podcast app and join a national conversation about how we raise the next generation of citizens.

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