Even if we limit media, children learn about elections from radio, pop-up ads, classmates, and signage. They absorb attitudes and biases, often without context or information (or disinformation).

“It’s never too early to talk to your child about politics,” Hoyt Phillips, now with Learning for Justice, told PBS during the last presidential election. Political conversations allow children to understand your value system, decision-making, and voting.

When children ask parents about any current events, ask back “What have you heard?” and “What do you think?” Kids pick up on election stress and its strain on relationships. Hecklers interrupting a speaker. Assassination attempts and safety concerns. Charged verbs like “lie,” “stole,” “incited,” and “can’t be trusted,” which are often used in ads.

This language can trouble children, who need to be reminded of fundamental truths. Those are: most people are good and trustworthy, caution is smart for safety, careful choices work better than snap decisions, and helpers lend an ear to talk with or ask questions.

According to the Fred Rogers Institute: “In seasons of elections, it can be helpful to talk with children about what it means to discuss different ideas while still respecting those who disagree with us.”

Especially with the rancor and advertising attacks, it’s important to show how discussion and active listening aid problem-solving. Attack ads are meant to grab attention. They may be only part of what we need to know, or even be exaggerated to emphasize what is NOT helpful to know.

Children and teens benefit from understanding the questions you ask yourself, how you find needed answers, and how you determine the values that drive your political thinking. The values you impart to your kids reveal themselves in reactions they see from your own emotions and body language all year........

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