Keep your child informed about the election without overwhelm

The U.S. election is a big topic of discussion right now and it’s important to check-in with your child about what they’ve heard and how they are feeling.

Even if your child has not expressed interest in the election, it’s a good idea to get the conversation started so that they learn about current events from you and not on social media or from a friend at school. 

How to talk about current events based on ages and stages

We know that the thought of discussing complex topics like the election can be intimidating, but by opening up a dialogue surrounding current events in an age-appropriate way, you’re letting your child know that they can always come to you to talk about anything that might be on their mind. Here are some tips on how to do this based on age and development:

Talking to younger kids (up to age 10)

• Stick to the facts. It can be difficult for young children to understand the enormity of issues like politics, and that’s why, whenever possible, it’s best to stick to the facts. For example: “The candidates running for president are ______. They represent different political parties, and each have different beliefs about how to run the country. This year on November 5th, anyone over age 18 will be able to cast their vote and help decide who will be the next president. “
  If they have follow-up questions, try providing direct, clear answers. It’s best to keep your response as simple as possible so that you don’t overwhelm your child with additional information. If you don’t know the answer, it’s perfectly fine to say that you will get back to them and then take some time to gather the information and have a follow-up conversation.
  

• Listen. Kids may have thoughts and fears about big things that are happening in the world, so it’s best to set aside distractions, like buzzing phones, so that you can make eye contact and really hear and repeat back what they are experiencing. Instead of trying to “fix” their more complicated emotions, be sure to validate how they are feeling in the moment.
  

• Limit oversharing. As an adult, you may have your own values, and emotions about certain polarizing topics. Be cautious to stick to the facts and answer their specific questions.
  

• Modes of expression. Not all kids may be able to express verbally what they are thinking, so it’s important to allow different modes of expression. Consider drawing or writing with them about their feelings.
  

• Leave the door open. Tell your kid to come back to you when (not if) they have more thoughts, feelings, or questions.  Using the word “when” gives them the opportunity to express their emotions more than “if.” Many kids may overhear things on the news or adults speaking about world events and may misunderstand what is being said. Giving a kid the space to ask more questions when they come up is important.

Talking to older kids (age 11 and up)

• Ask for the facts. Older children may learn about complex topics, like political elections, at school, on social media, or through friends. However, there is a risk that they are exposed to misconceptions or sensationalized content. Start the conversation by asking what they know.
  

• Learn together. If your kid is gathering news from social media or television and the images or narratives are disturbing, try your best to restrict certain content if possible. But if they are older and seek information through social media or news outlets, consider watching with them and encouraging them to ask questions. If you don’t know the answer, look it up from credible sources and learn together.
  

• Introduce self-care strategies to reduce stress. Let’s be real —talking about politics can be stressful. For older kids and teens, they will be learning about decisions that will have a huge impact on their future and they may have strong opinions about even though they are not old enough to vote. Introduce your child to self-care strategies such as box breathing, time away from technology, nature walks, and journaling as tools to manage any stress the election may bring up. 

Taking the time to talk with your child about current events, like the election, offers a chance to bring families together to support one another. Of course, it is important to monitor your kid’s distress. If they show signs of depression, anxiety, increased stress, or difficulty functioning, consider seeking support from a mental health professional.