Talking to children about politics

BISMARCK, ND (KFYR) – Politics can get messy and ugly, the topic involves people with strong opinions and ideas, so when things get heated and aggressive, how do kids process what’s happening? And how can parents talk to their children about understanding it?

With social media and technology in our pockets every day, reports say that children are having more access to different topics that they may not have followed in the past. This also applies to politics, especially during an election year.

NDSU parent and family educator Jacey Wanner said the first thing she tries to tell parents is to focus on our democracy. That includes explaining children’s election vocabulary. She said parents should ask questions and explain America’s history, why we have the right to vote and what it means to vote for someone. Wanner said explaining those basic principles is fundamental.

“It’s something people are really passionate about, and it’s good to be passionate about something. I think we can help our children say, ‘You know what? It’s really good to believe in something, and it’s really good to have lively conversations and talk to our friends and neighbors, and also realize that we’re not going to name names because they don’t agree with us. So it’s okay to disagree and maybe we can learn from them,” Wanner said.

Wanner said that when children see a political ad, parents should ask their children what they thought of the ad, what makes a good ad and what makes an ad that might make you nervous. She said talking about those bigger picture things is a great conversation to have with your kids.

Wanner said there are many resources available to help parents have those difficult conversations with their children.