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Guidance for Talking to Kids About the Election
The presidential election has been an emotional rollercoaster for parents and kids alike. The campaign was not just a topic on television and social media, it divided friends and family members and caused a lot of anxiety. Kids were exposed to disturbing language, shocking images, insults, and dire predictions for the future.
Whatever our personal feelings about the election, kids need to understand what is happening. Young people are amazingly perceptive. If we don’t help them process events, they can reach unhelpful, even harmful conclusions. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Take a breath
We can’t help our kids while we are still recovering from this whirlwind of an election.
Take the temperature
Ask kids how they are feeling without making any assumptions. They may be confused or worried or angry. Let them know it’s OK to have strong reactions to the election or the messages they’re receiving about it.
Start the conversation
Even if your children are young, you can begin talking about elections, politics, and our democracy at a level that is appropriate and understandable. As they grow, keep the discussion going, which will make them better informed and help them learn to think independently.
Model healthy behaviors
Continuously checking the news or social media can keep emotions heightened. Show kids how to strike a balance between staying informed and engaging in other activities.
Get active
Getting involved in the decisions of your local community helps kids understand that they can channel uncomfortable feelings into action.
Elections, particularly contentious ones, are an opportunity to encourage engagement with the democratic process and empathy for our fellow citizens. What will happen in a new administration may not be clear, but the only path is forward.
