During election seasons and times of social change, political discussions are common, and it’s essential to know how to approach these topics with children. These discussions can affect children in several ways. They might become worried if they see adults arguing. Older children and teenagers may start to have their own beliefs that are different from their family’s, which can lead to disagreements. Also, hearing news about current events might make children curious and lead them to ask difficult questions.
However, these times can also be a chance to have important talks with children and teenagers about how our government works and what it means to be a good citizen. This children’s guide to political discussion will provide tips for parents and educators to navigate political conversations with kids in a way that is appropriate for their age.
Explaining Democracy and the Importance of Voting
It’s common for adults to avoid talking about politics with children. However, it’s essential to help children understand how democracy works in a way they can grasp. For instance, you can discuss the rules you have at home and explain that there are also rules for society. Explain that voting is how we choose the people who make and enforce these rules.
Explaining the importance of civic participation is crucial. “We live in a democracy and instilling that civic culture of paying attention, knowing what’s going on and participating in your choice of government is something that even young kids should be able to understand at a basic level.”
Similarly, you can ask kids about rules in society that affect them to help them understand how laws impact their lives. “What do kids need when it comes to being healthy and strong? Where can they safely ride their bikes? How fast are cars allowed to drive? Who is in charge of healthy foods at schools? Do they need to make sure that they have health insurance so they can go see the doctor or therapist?”
Ask your children what they think good laws for kids would be. Ask them to think about how they would make things better if they were in charge. Encouraging kids to think about these things early can help them understand the democratic process and make them more likely to vote when they turn 18. Voter registration often begins in high school, and many states encourage pre-registration of eligible voters.
Discussing Values and Beliefs
Political views are often based on personal beliefs, and conversations about politics with children should start there. “At a very basic level, a healthy conversation about politics should also include a discussion about values. As members of a community, we get to make decisions about who we think is most closely aligned to our values and is going to pursue the best things for kids and families.”
Framing politics this way can make it easier to talk about what choices or policies seem fair in a way that children can understand. “By encouraging your kids to think about what they believe is fair and just, and how they contribute to their community, you can connect political participation to their own values. Then you’re helping them understand the impact of their actions and fostering a lifelong engagement with the issues that they care about.”
Keep in mind that while you can teach your child your values, they will eventually form their own opinions and make their own decisions. Parents will need to step back and allow them to grow. If children have different opinions, it can be a good sign that they are thinking for themselves and developing socially and emotionally.
Modeling Healthy Conflict Resolution
Parents often try to resolve arguments without their children knowing, but hiding conflict can be harmful because it prevents children from seeing healthy ways to resolve disagreements. When political tensions are high, such as during an election year, it can be helpful to show children how to resolve conflicts in a healthy way.
“Disagreements and conflict are a normal part of being a kid — ‘I want that toy; you want that toy.’ It’s oversimplifying a bit, but we’re kind of the same way as a society. People have different preferences — and deeply held feelings — about what policies are best and who the elected officials should be. That’s OK, and we have to come up with a way to talk it out.”
It is important to show respectful disagreement that does not insult or discriminate against others. Show children that there are positive ways to interact with someone even if they disagree.
For example, be curious and ask questions. You might say:
- “I feel this way about this topic, but I’m curious to hear what your thoughts are.”
- “I’ve never thought about it like that before! I’m not sure I agree, but I want to hear more about why you feel that way.”
- “I’m surprised how strongly we disagree about this. Let’s change our topic of conversation for right now and come back to this after we’ve both had a chance to think it over more.”
These points can help children approach conversations mindfully at school or in other places. Emphasize that it’s important to listen to other people’s views, even if we don’t agree. Curiosity can reduce defensiveness and help us connect with others in interesting ways. Parents can also prepare children by explaining that everyone has different feelings and opinions, and that no one is always right or wrong.
Most importantly, encourage children to accept and respect people who think differently. “Lean into the fact that we don’t always have to agree, and that disagreement can be healthy as long as we manage it appropriately. That’s true whether we’re talking about two people on the playground or about different factions in a community.”
Staying Informed Through Trusted Sources
Parents play a key role in teaching children how to make informed decisions. Share the news sources you trust, explain why you trust them, and how you came to that conclusion. If they’re old enough, show them how to research answers to questions and get a balanced view by looking at different sources. When children are talking about political topics at school and the conversations become emotional, teach them to be curious, ask open-ended questions, check sources, verify facts, and form their own understanding of the issue.
Since social media is so influential, teach older children and teenagers how algorithms can increase conflict, which encourages online engagement. Explain that they may see more of one view than another depending on who they follow. Also, children should understand that influencers may have a reason to promote a certain idea or organization. These are chances to explain how people, groups, and even news sources disagree about what is true, which can make it hard to form an opinion. Show them how you decide what to believe by explaining your critical thinking process.
Encouraging Civic Engagement
“Kids can’t vote and they can’t donate to candidates, but it doesn’t mean they can’t help or get involved in other ways.”
If you want your family to value civic engagement, you can watch candidate debates, read news stories about ballot measures or candidate positions on issues that matter to your family, and discuss what you learn. You can also take your child to an event supporting a candidate and encourage them to ask questions, such as what they’re going to do for kids if they get elected, or how they plan to improve schools or youth mental health.
“They can go knock on doors; they can write a letter to the editor in their local newspaper; they can write to a political official and just say, ‘Here’s what’s important to me. Will you consider doing X, Y, Z?’”
In addition to joining parents on civic missions, children can work with friends and neighbors to get involved in issues they care about. “Advocacy is a team sport. If you’re a 7-year-old and you want to go change the world, doing it by yourself is going to be hard. But one thing kids can do is team up with their friends. They can have a little house party, or they could set up a stand on a street corner, and that’s something kids at almost any age should be able to do.”
Older children can also join student council at school, which allows them to advocate for change in a familiar place. There are also many youth advocacy organizations they can join. Older children and teenagers can also choose to get involved with organizations focused on specific issues. Parents can show their support by getting involved in child health advocacy in public policy. Kids who are old enough can take advantage of pre-registration.
Being involved in politics can be good for mental health. When children feel able to make a difference at a young age and in their community, they are more likely to stay involved with social issues throughout their lives.
By following this children’s guide to political discussion, parents and educators can help young people develop into informed, engaged, and responsible citizens.
