How to talk to kids about the election
Shelby KretzShare
Talking to kids about the upcoming presidential election, especially in our politically charged environment, can be challenging. Kids have a lot of questions, and it's hard to know how to approach this topic with elementary students in a way that is both informative and age-appropriate. Here are some strategies to navigate these conversations.
Acknowledge the Election
It's important to acknowledge that it is happening. Kids are hearing about it -- whether through social media, television, overhearing adults, or conversations at school. They are likely to have some awareness of the election even if they don't fully understand what it means. Instead of avoiding the topic, bring it up if you hear someone talking about it or see an election ad. Ask your learners what they already know about the election and what they’ve heard. This can be a great starting point for a deeper conversation.
Check for Understanding
Before jumping into too much information, you want to understand your learner's perspective and level of knowledge. Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you know about the election?” or “What have you heard about it?” This not only helps you determine how much they understand, but it also allows you to see any misconceptions they may have. This will give you a starting point and insight into how much to share.
Before jumping into too much information, you want to understand your learner's perspective and level of knowledge. Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you know about the election?” or “What have you heard about it?” This not only helps you determine how much they understand, but it also allows you to see any misconceptions they may have. This will give you a starting point and insight into how much to share.
Explain and Answer Honestly
Offer a simple, factual explanation and correct any misconceptions they have. Depending on your child's age and level of understanding, you can offer more or less information. You know your learners best! Start with a basic explanation and then encourage them to ask questions. If you don't know the answer, just say that you don't know. You can turn it into a learning opportunity to find the answer together. This teaches them good research habits and shows that it’s okay not to have all the answers.
Offer a simple, factual explanation and correct any misconceptions they have. Depending on your child's age and level of understanding, you can offer more or less information. You know your learners best! Start with a basic explanation and then encourage them to ask questions. If you don't know the answer, just say that you don't know. You can turn it into a learning opportunity to find the answer together. This teaches them good research habits and shows that it’s okay not to have all the answers.
Model Vulnerability
Share some of your own feelings about the election. Maybe you're uncertain whether your preferred candidate will win, or maybe you are uncertain who you even want to vote for, or maybe you're concerned about what will happen if a candidate wins. It’s okay to express concerns or uncertainties—this can help kids understand that it's normal to feel unsure about these things. That being said, be sure not to overwhelm kids with anxiety or panic, but rather just show that it's okay to feel unsure and a little worried about big events like this.
Share some of your own feelings about the election. Maybe you're uncertain whether your preferred candidate will win, or maybe you are uncertain who you even want to vote for, or maybe you're concerned about what will happen if a candidate wins. It’s okay to express concerns or uncertainties—this can help kids understand that it's normal to feel unsure about these things. That being said, be sure not to overwhelm kids with anxiety or panic, but rather just show that it's okay to feel unsure and a little worried about big events like this.
Move Toward Action
Taking action can give young people a sense of agency and control in a situation that otherwise can feel very outside of their control. Talk about ways they can participate, even if they're not old enough to vote. Could you learn more about the candidates and better understand their positions? Can you talk to adults in your life about the importance of voting? Can you participate in community events related to the election? Action not only gives kids a sense of agency in this election, but it also models civic engagement.
Taking action can give young people a sense of agency and control in a situation that otherwise can feel very outside of their control. Talk about ways they can participate, even if they're not old enough to vote. Could you learn more about the candidates and better understand their positions? Can you talk to adults in your life about the importance of voting? Can you participate in community events related to the election? Action not only gives kids a sense of agency in this election, but it also models civic engagement.
Talking to kids about this election can be daunting -- many people have strong emotions and uncertainties around it. This includes kids! With these steps, you can help them understand the importance of civic engagement and prepare them to be informed citizens in their community.
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