Talking Politics with Kids: A Parent’s Guide to Meaningful Conversations
Here we are on the eve of Election Day 2024. My son, now in sixth grade, is as observant as ever, noticing signs, flags, and rallies as we drive through town. He’s watched parts of the debates on TV and is full of questions. If your children are anything like mine, they’re curious and want to understand what’s happening. In this highly charged political season, what’s the best way to approach these conversations with our kids?
A recent article by the American Academy of Pediatrics offers helpful guidance on navigating this topic thoughtfully.
1. Explain
Start by asking what your child already knows and what they think the election is about. This gives you insight into their understanding and any misconceptions you may need to address. Explain that the election helps us choose leaders who make decisions for the country, and tailor the depth of the conversation to your child’s age. Older kids may want more details, while younger ones might benefit from a simple explanation.
2. Listen
Give your child the space to speak their mind and share their feelings. Encourage their questions, letting them know that no question is off-limits. By listening actively, you model what it means to be respectful, a skill that helps them understand and appreciate others’ perspectives.
3. Share
Discuss values that are important to your family, emphasizing that it’s okay to have different opinions from friends or family members. Teach your children that respecting others’ views is crucial, even when disagreements arise. This skill will help them navigate conversations throughout their lives with empathy and respect.
Here is a list of talking points to help guide the conversation with your children:
Ask What They Know and What They’ve Heard
“Have you heard anything about the election at school or from friends?”
“What do you think the election is about?”
This approach helps you understand your child’s perspective, correct any misconceptions, and gauge their knowledge level.
Explain the Purpose of Elections
“Elections are how we choose leaders for our country, state, and community.”
“Voting is a way for people to share their opinions on who they think will do the best job making important decisions.”
Discuss How Voting Works
“Everyone who is old enough gets to vote for the leaders they think will represent them well.”
“Some people choose candidates who support their beliefs or ideas, and others may vote based on different priorities, like the economy or schools.”
Keep It Age-Appropriate
For younger children: “It’s kind of like voting for a class helper or choosing which game to play with friends. People vote on what they think is best.”
For older kids: Explain concepts like democracy, civic duty, and how elected leaders make decisions that impact us.
Encourage Open Questions
“Do you have any questions about the election or voting?”
“Is there anything that confuses you or that you’d like to understand better?”
Talk About Family Values Respectfully
“In our family, we believe in values like kindness, fairness, and helping others. We look for leaders who also believe in those things.”
“People in different families may vote for other reasons, and that’s okay. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions.”
Model Respect for Different Opinions
“People can have different opinions, even friends or family. It’s important to listen to and respect others, even if we don’t always agree.”
“We can learn a lot by talking to others about what they think and why.”
Help Them Understand News and Information
“Sometimes, things we hear in the news or from others might not tell the whole story. It’s okay to ask questions and think about whether what we hear makes sense.”
“We should always try to find out as much as we can before making up our minds about something.”
Relate It to Their Lives
“Think about decisions you make at school or home. It’s similar to what leaders do, but on a bigger scale.”
“Leaders make decisions that affect things like your school, our parks, and even things like what’s safe for kids and families.”
Reassure Them About Stability
“No matter what happens in the election, we’re here to keep you safe, and our daily lives will still have routines we can count on.”
“The election is important, but no matter who wins, we can still work together as a family and community.”
Reminder! You’re Not Alone
This election season is challenging for many parents. Talking with your spouse, friends, or other parents can provide perspective and ideas for how to discuss these topics with children. Let’s engage in healthy, respectful discussions, knowing we’re setting the stage for our future leaders to grow in understanding and kindness. You’ve got this!