At the 2021 I Am Mom Summit, Sharon McMahon—affectionately known online as America’s Government Teacher—brought her trademark clarity and warmth to a timely topic: raising children who can think critically in an age of misinformation.
Sharon, a former high school government and law teacher, has gained national recognition for breaking down complicated political issues and teaching media literacy to her 500,000+ Instagram followers, the “Governerds.” In her Summit talk, she shifted her focus to moms, offering practical, everyday strategies for raising kids who can separate fact from opinion and form thoughtful, educated perspectives.
Key Highlights from Sharon’s Talk
1. Model critical thinking at home.
Just like we model chores, cooking, or kindness, we must also model how to evaluate information. Sharon encouraged moms to start young, asking open-ended questions while reading bedtime stories—such as “Do you think that character made the right choice? Why or why not?” This simple practice develops a child’s ability to explain their reasoning and consider different viewpoints.
2. Don’t leave opinions unchallenged.
Even if you agree with your child, ask them to explain why. Critical thinking grows when kids are pressed to articulate the reasoning behind their ideas.
3. Limit exposure to TV news.
Sharon compared constant cable news to letting a 6-year-old watch R-rated movies—overwhelming, fear-inducing, and not developmentally appropriate. Instead, she suggested reading the news and filtering stories for kids until they’re ready to separate fact from commentary.
4. Teach media literacy early.
Kids need repeated practice in recognizing what’s a fact, what’s an opinion, and what’s outright misinformation. Sharon recommended parents verbalize their own fact-checking process so children see how responsible adults evaluate information.
5. Remember your digital legacy.
Perhaps her most poignant reminder: everything we post, comment, and share online is part of the legacy our children will inherit. Someday, they may read through our messages and posts. Will they see us spreading kindness—or misinformation?
Why This Talk Matters
In a world where “I like it, so it must be true” has become a dangerous norm, Sharon’s message couldn’t be more important. Raising critical thinkers isn’t just about helping kids do well in school—it’s about equipping the next generation to be thoughtful, empathetic citizens who can cut through noise and seek truth.
About the Speaker
Sharon McMahon is a former government and law teacher who has become a trusted national voice for truth in the midst of misinformation. Known as America’s Government Teacher, she’s been featured on CNN, The Washington Post, Today.com, Yahoo News, The Daily Show, and more. Follow her on Instagram @SharonSaysSo or visit sharonmcmahon.com
