With election day coming up on November 5th, the buzz of politics is everywhere. Depending on how old your child is, they might start noticing the signs advertising different candidates along the road. Talking to your children about the voting process and politics can be challenging, especially if differing political views cause tension in your household. However, raising responsible citizens means addressing these complex but essential topics.
Here are some tips on how to approach the topic of politics with your children and educate them about the process.
Stay Positive
Politics can be a divisive subject to talk about, and, as we have seen in recent years, it can get downright nasty. When talking to your child about politics, it’s crucial to stay positive and avoid inadvertently teaching them to think negatively about it. Instead of criticizing an opposing candidate, focus on discussing what you appreciate about your preferred candidates or party and how they may contribute positively to your community, state, or country.
Discuss Democracy as a Whole
What drives the United States is its democracy, and children can learn about that concept early on. Educate your child on the different responsibilities of various government roles and how they contribute to the functioning of the government. You can explain that voting allows people to choose representatives who make decisions for the public good. Let them know that electing officials is a way to support policies they believe in, which your child might find interesting. Be open to their questions—you might be surprised by what they ask!
Offer Balanced Perspectives
When you talk to your children about the upcoming election, try to provide a balanced perspective. Even if you are passionate about your political views, speaking respectfully about opposing sides or viewpoints teaches your child that people can talk about different opinions with respect and understanding. As your child grows, they will hear differing perspectives about many things, so explaining opposing views respectfully helps set the foundation for open-mindedness.
Share Your Political Viewpoint
For kids forming their own opinions, understanding what their parents believe can be valuable. Young children may feel like they need to have the same opinions as their parents, but those views will most likely change as they mature. Growing up in a household with open communication can empower them to voice their own opinions and engage in respectful discussions. Telling them what you believe demonstrates the open and honest communication that parents should cultivate with their children.
Model Critical Thinking
Sharing your values is a great start to looking into why you side with certain candidates and their policies. You can talk to your child about the importance of being a responsible and well-informed voter. For example, if you value the environment, you can investigate various candidates that share that value and how their policies can contribute to that effort. This teaches your children about thinking critically about politics rather than going with the crowd or choosing someone randomly.
Encourage Your Kids to Share Their Views
Many schools encourage children to share what they would do if they were the President of the United States or to discuss issues they care about. This can help them start considering what they value, what they’re passionate about, and what interests them. Listening to your children without judgment as they share their perspectives helps them feel heard and fosters a habit of open dialogue as they grow and develop their opinions.
Final Thoughts
Teaching kids about politics can feel intimidating, but it’s also a rewarding way to foster thoughtful, engaged citizens. By encouraging openness, positivity, and critical thinking, you’re not just educating them about the political process—you’re instilling values of respect, curiosity, and responsibility. These discussions lay the groundwork for your children to grow into adults who feel empowered to help shape the world around them. Embrace these conversations as opportunities to connect, learn, and support each other in navigating an ever-changing political landscape.
Emily currently lives in Orange County, California after spending four years in Illinois and half a year teaching in Florence, Italy. She holds a B.A. in English Literature from Knox College and an M.A. in Counseling from the University of San Diego and has taught English to native speakers and ESL students for over three years. When she’s not working as a School Counselor or writing, she enjoys traveling the world, playing instruments, and blogging about Millennial experiences at Long Live the Twenties.