Expert Advice on Conversations With Your Child
Political chatter is everywhere – on the news, social media, in school settings, and most likely in your home. It can be confusing enough for adults, but what about our children? In this article, we provide expert insights and advice on how to talk to kids about politics.
When is the Right Time to Talk to Kids About Politics?
There’s never a perfect time or age to have a conversation with your children about the election. What matters most is how you provide the education to your children. As parents, when it comes to talking to kids about politics, you will want to communicate with your children in a language that they understand.
Whether it’s in their preferred language, by showing pictures, videos or simply having a little talk with them, the conversation should be developmentally based. Your conversation with a six-year-old should be very different from the conversation with your sixteen-year-old.
When you talk to kids about politics, begin by asking what they already know. Start where the children are. By allowing your children to be curious and explore, you teach them confidence and appreciation says Melanie Bush, CNP, in her article, “8 Tips to Develop Children’s Curiosity.” Asking children shows them you’re also curious about them and their knowledge.
Parenting Advice Around Political Matters
Explain the right to vote. Teach them how voting works and why people have a responsibility to vote. Discuss how a vote is a way to express our freedom and our voice. Maybe, have a mock election at home as an example. For teens, getting involved in a political cause or with a candidate can provide valuable teaching moments.
Handling Controversy & Different Opinions
When you talk to kids about politics, it’s good to keep the conversation neutral and factual. Don’t let your opinions or feelings get in the way of a good discussion.
Explain how someone is elected and how political parties are part of the process. Discuss the differences in political viewpoints and the importance of listening to opinions that might be different. This can teach a child or a teen empathy.
Prepare your children for opinions they may hear from peers. Hearing other kids, the same age can help them see how others think/believe differently and that’s ok. Explain why each candidate and what they propose can affect their community or way of living.
Summing Up: A Healthy Way to Talk To Kids About Politics
It’s never too early to educate your child about their community and to keep an open mind on how government works because one day, while they’re in class, they will remember the talk they had with you and feel comfortable asking questions or educating their peers about what each party stands for.
Above all, be an example – go vote! You’ll be casting a ballot for a candidate and for good parenting. An important component when you talk to kids about politics is about letting them see the example you set.
Politics & Beyond: Help for Struggling Children & Teens
Beyond politics, there are many things in our world that can cause stress and turmoil for kids and teens. Whether it’s bullying or fear of violence at school, self-esteem or learning issues, children face a lot of issues that can cause real problems.
Therapy is a great option that provides people of all ages the ability to discuss their issues and receive tools and skills to help them deal with the difficulties of life. Prasad Counseling and Training provides a variety of counseling services for individuals as well as groups and families. Our team of licensed clinicians can see patients in our downtown Houston office as well as virtual appointments to patients across the state of Texas.
In addition to treating adults, our group practice is available to provide counseling services to children and teens. We also handle group therapy for couples and families.
Prasad Counseling and Training is a group practice that provides a variety of counseling and professional training services to individuals and companies. To learn more about clinicians in our group practice and the areas of specialties they have, visit our Meet the Clinicians webpage. Contact us for the counseling or support you or your company needs by calling our Houston office at 281-948-3322.
