S2 E30: Talking with Your Kids About Politics

After this election season’s intensity, many of us are left feeling both relieved and reflective... hopefully that's how you would describe it and not frustrated or jubiliant (depending on how you voted). It’s a great time to consider how we talk to our kids about politics and model respect, even with strong opinions.

As parents, these conversations about democracy and voting can be challenging, especially with younger kids who may be curious but not ready for detailed explanations. Let’s explore some ways to introduce the basics of politics to children of all ages, in an age-appropriate way, to help them understand voting, respect, and civic responsibility.

Starting Simple: Introducing Young Kids to Big Ideas

If you have young kids, they might notice things like signs, flags, or discussions in public. For toddlers and early elementary ages, politics doesn’t have to mean big debates. Instead, we can introduce concepts they already relate to—fairness, sharing, and making group decisions. You might even set up a mini “vote” at home about family decisions, like what to have for dinner or which game to play. It’s a simple, engaging way to introduce them to choice and participation.

Books can be incredibly helpful here! Look for children’s titles like Duck for President by Doreen Cronin that use humor and relatable characters to introduce ideas around leadership and decision-making. La Rue for Mayor by Mark Teague or even the board book I found this weekend, Future President by Lori Alexander are also good initial options. Books help to keep things light while still making the concepts approachable and understandable. Based upon how your child engages with the book and the questions they ask, you can go further in your discussion.

I recommend that if you are discussing anything related to candidates, you avoid using extreme language. Children mimic what we model and since they don't understand certain things developmentally yet, they could start to use extreme language related to their friends or peers which could become troublesome. If you call somebody a lunatic or terrible or whatever word you might choose to use, don't be surprised if you hear your child start to use that same rhetoric. You might want to explain instead how some people running for president have different viewpoints than you do and you don't agree as much with them, so you will be voting for the other candidate. Keep it as simple as possible at this age and stage while still building understanding.

Guiding Older Kids: Building Awareness and Respect

As kids enter upper elementary and middle school, they may begin to hear about politics from friends or at school. This is a great time to get them thinking more about how people make choices based on values and perspectives. You can start by asking what they’ve heard or think, helping them feel their opinions are valued and that curiosity is encouraged.

These conversations are also opportunities to model respectful disagreement. Show them that it’s okay to disagree but still show respect. Simple discussions at home about daily decisions can be powerful demonstrations of how to hold different opinions while staying respectful.

With kids even in 3rd grade and up, maybe even second grade if they are showing interest, I would recommend finding a website that breaks down the policies and platforms in a child friendly manner, and if you can’t find something you like, pull from the candidates actual platforms, and use AI to help you summarize it all at an age appropriate level for your child (Consider using Chat GPT or Diffit).  Then discuss with them how you evaluate each platform and policy and how even if you do or don’t like a particular candidate’s personality, it’s much more about their policies and what they stand for and what you believe will be best for the country. To borrow from one of my favorite podcasters, Allie B. Stuckey, “Politics Matter because Policies Matter because People Matter.” Instilling this understanding in our children from an earlier age will help them understand the right to vote and have a voice, even if one among millions matters.

Conversations with Teens: Diving Deeper into Critical Thinking

With teens, you may find they’re already forming their own ideas and may even feel passionate about particular issues. Encourage them to explore these ideas more deeply by guiding them to reliable sources or having discussions where they lead with their questions. This age is ideal for introducing concepts like fact-checking, analyzing sources, and considering multiple sides to an issue.  You don’t need to force them to agree with you, but you do want to ensure they have learned to dig in deeply to make informed choices.  They’ll be citizens who have the right to vote before you know it!  

Ask them what they think about current events and why, but also encourage them to consider why others might feel differently. This can be a powerful way to expand their understanding, develop empathy, and nurture their critical thinking. When they see us having respectful conversations about hard topics, they’re learning that it’s possible to disagree without losing respect for one another.

Model Respectful Conversations at Home

No matter the age, one of the best ways to teach our kids about respectful discourse is by modeling it. In today’s climate, harsh arguments are easy to come by, but we can demonstrate that respectful discussions are possible. Whether in conversations with family, friends, or even during minor disagreements, we’re teaching our kids that it’s okay to disagree respectfully.

By fostering an environment of open, respectful conversation, we’re preparing our children to be thoughtful, responsible adults who understand the importance of voting and respect for differing opinions.

Final Thoughts

As we wrap up this election season, let’s remember that our children are watching and learning from us. Each conversation is a chance to teach them about the importance of civic engagement, respect, and open-mindedness.

If you’re interested in more ways to help your child think critically and become a lifelong learner, I’d love for you to join the Raising Thinkers Community! And for those looking to support their child’s math learning, check out my subscription service, Raising Mathematicians. Together, let’s help raise the next generation of thoughtful, respectful citizens.

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