Navigating Election Conversations with Kids – A Guide for Parents

Election seasons are a whirlwind of emotions, opinions, and debates, and they can often be overwhelming – even for adults. When it comes to discussing elections with children, the task can seem daunting. However, it’s an essential opportunity to foster understanding, critical thinking, and engagement in young minds. Here’s a guide to help you navigate these conversations effectively. 

Prepare Yourself 

Before engaging your child in discussions about elections, it’s crucial to reflect on your own feelings. Election seasons can be stressful, and your emotions might influence how you communicate with your child. Take some time to process your own thoughts and emotions. By preparing yourselves, you can create a safe and constructive environment where children feel comfortable asking questions and exploring their opinions. Your calm approach will set the tone for open, respectful dialogue.   

Start Small 

Young children might find abstract concepts like democracy and political ideologies confusing. To make these ideas more accessible, start with basic, concrete concepts. Talk about fairness, kindness, and making choices – these are foundational ideas that children can grasp and relate to. For instance, you might explain that elections are a way for people to make decisions about who will lead or represent them, just like choosing a team leader or making group decisions. 

Don’t Be Perfect 

One of the most valuable things you can offer your child is the example of intellectual humility. It’s okay to admit you don’t have all the answers. Children benefit from seeing that it’s normal to seek out information and explore different perspectives. When you don’t know something, use it as an opportunity to learn together. This approach not only builds trust but also teaches children that inquiry and curiosity are important parts of learning. 

Ask Questions 

Engaging in dialogue rather than delivering a monologue helps children feel involved in the conversation. Start by asking what they already know about elections or what they’ve heard from friends, media, or school. This approach allows you to gauge their understanding and address any misconceptions. For example, if your child believes that elections are only about choosing a president, you can expand the conversation to include local and state elections, showing how different levels of government impact daily life. 

Create Critical Thinkers 

Teaching children to differentiate between facts and opinions is crucial. Use examples from news stories or social media to show how information can be presented in different ways. Encourage them to question what they see and hear, and to seek out reliable sources of information. Discuss the importance of empathy by exploring how various policies or decisions affect different people. For instance, you might discuss how a new school policy could impact students differently depending on their needs and circumstances. 

Observe and Seize Teachable Moments 

Everyday situations can offer excellent opportunities to discuss elections and government. Notice billboards, advertisements, or political slogans in your community and use these as conversation starters. Ask your child what they think about these messages and how they might relate to what they’ve learned about elections. For example, if you see a campaign ad, you can discuss what makes it persuasive and whether it presents information in a balanced way. 

Friends Disagree 

Election seasons can sometimes highlight disagreements and divisions, even among friends and family. Use these situations to teach children that it’s possible to respect others even when opinions differ. Explain that disagreements are a natural part of any democratic process and that maintaining friendships despite differing views is important. This can help children understand that political discussions do not have to be confrontational and that mutual respect is key to productive dialogue. 

Show Respect 

Modeling respectful behavior is one of the most powerful ways to teach children about handling disagreements. Show them that you can advocate for your own views while still respecting other perspectives. Emphasize that it’s possible to disagree with someone’s beliefs or values while still valuing and treating them with dignity. This approach not only fosters a respectful attitude but also promotes a more inclusive and understanding perspective of diverse viewpoints. 

Focus on the Process  

Rather than focusing solely on individual candidates, broaden the discussion to include how government works. Explain the roles and duties of different government branches and officials in age-appropriate terms. For instance, you might describe the difference between a mayor, a governor, and a president in simple terms, and discuss how each role contributes to making and implementing laws and policies. 

Participation as a Gift 

Help your child to appreciate the value of participating in the democratic process. Even though they may not be eligible to vote, there are many ways they can be involved. Encourage them to participate in civic activities like attending local meetings or helping with community projects. Highlight how fortunate they are to live in a place where they can have a voice in government decisions, and celebrate small ways they can be involved, such as wearing a campaign sticker or helping with voter registration efforts. 

Fostering Future Voters 

Talking to children about elections is more than just a conversation about politics – it’s an opportunity to instill values of critical thinking, empathy, and respect. By preparing yourself, starting with simple concepts, and using everyday moments as teaching opportunities, you can guide your child through understanding the democratic process and its importance. Remember, the goal is not only to inform but also to engage and empower the next generation to become thoughtful, informed citizens.