Beautiful people, let’s not waste time. Let’s go!!
Unless you are currently living in an alternate universe, you are well aware of this, to say the very least, insane political climate; with the influence of social media, your children are not immune. In less than two weeks, we have witnessed an assassination attempt against the Republican presidential candidate, former president Donald Trump, and the announcement that our current president, Joe Biden, as a result of several factors: age, health, and inevitably pressure from members of the Democratic party, prompted him to drop out of the presidential race. Yesterday, following this somewhat novella-type turn of events, my daughter and I spoke at length about politics in the country; she, at 17, articulated her thoughts and opinions. I was impressed at how much she already knows, her strong feelings about both candidates, and this overall political climate that, as per her words, is “scary AF.”
I am lucky; I am the mother to an older adolescent who is very socially aware of what is happening compared to parents of children much younger, making it almost inevitable that their children will be exposed to complex and potentially unsettling stories. For parents, this presents the unique challenge of explaining current political events in a truthful yet appropriate way for their child’s age and emotional maturity. If you happen to be a parent of a younger child, tween, or teen who may not understand what is going on, try this:
1. Start with Open-Ended Questions
Before diving into any explanation, it’s crucial to understand your child’s current level of awareness and perceptions about politics. Ask open-ended questions like “What have you heard about this topic?” or “How do you feel about what you heard?”; this can help you gauge their understanding and provide a comfortable space for them to express any concerns or confusion.
2. Keep Explanations Age-Appropriate
The complexity of your explanations should align with your child’s age and developmental stage. Keep explanations simple and broad for younger children (ages 5-8). Focus on basic concepts like the role of leaders and the importance of fairness. For tweens (ages 9-12), you can introduce more about political structures and the democratic process. Teenagers can handle more nuanced discussions about ideology, ethics, and policy debates.
3. Use Relatable Analogies
Using analogies that relate to their everyday experiences can make complex political issues more understandable for children. For example, explaining a democratic election can be likened to choosing a class representative – everyone has a vote, and the majority decides who will represent them.
Center your discussions on the core values necessary to your family, such as respect, kindness, fairness, and responsibility; this helps children understand political issues through the lens of values rather than partisan allegiance, which in turn teaches them to think critically about how these values are upheld or challenged in various political contexts.
Today’s political climate can sometimes be alarming, and children often feel these anxieties more acutely. It’s important to address their fears directly. Reassure them of their safety and remind them of the support systems they have in you and other family members. Emphasize the role of various leaders, including local officials, who work to solve problems and help people.
6. Encourage Active Participation
Teach your children that they, too, can positively impact their community. Encourage age-appropriate ways to get involved, such as writing letters to local representatives or participating in community service; this gives them a sense of agency and demonstrates how engagement can lead to change.
7. Limit Exposure to Media
While staying informed is essential, constant exposure to media can be overwhelming for children. Help them navigate this by limiting media consumption and opting for sources known for factual reporting. Discuss the news together so that you can immediately address any questions or concerns they may have.
Children often look to their parents to model behavior. Demonstrate informed, calm, and respectful political engagement; this teaches them constructive ways to discuss and engage with political issues, emphasizing the importance of informed debates and respectful disagreements.
9. Keep the Dialogue Open
Finally, make discussing current events a regular part of your routine. An ongoing dialogue about politics and current affairs, especially in a safe and open environment, normalizes these conversations and makes them less intimidating.
Navigating political discussions with children can seem daunting, but it’s crucial to their development into well-informed and engaged citizens. By providing clear, age-appropriate information and emphasizing critical thinking and values, you can help your children navigate the complexities of the political world with confidence and curiosity.
