You might be nervous about discussing political issues with your kids because of the news.Talking to kids about politics may take more time and patience than talking to adults.You can tailor your message to fit your child's age so that you can educate and inform them about the political events of today in an appropriate way.
Step 1: There are political books for kids.
The Butter Battle Book and The Lorax explain political conflict in a conceptual way.Two Suffragists, a Kitten, and 10,000 miles (16,000 km) talk about the fight for women's speach in America in a childrens book.You can watch movies and TV shows with your children.It's important to include race in discussions of politics.Women in the U.S. were granted the right to vote in 1919, but women of color were not.
Step 2: There are kid friendly news.
Time for Kids and HTE Kids News can help educate your children about politics.You might not want them to learn about topics that are not appropriate for them on these websites.Ask them what they learned after reading an article.
Step 3: Ask what they've heard about politics.
A teenager will have more information about politics than a child.They are bombarded with political messages on social media.They know about candidates, politicians and political issues.This will help you figure out their political leanings and how to engage in conversation.You might ask, "So Micah, what have you heard about the recent travel ban in America?"What do you think about it?
Step 4: Discuss government functions with your children.
As your children grow up, discuss the president, congress, supreme court, and the role of government with you.Asking them what they know about a subject will give you a better idea of their knowledge.The Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches are in American government.Explain the roles of each to your child here.
Step 5: Discuss how elections work.
Discuss how the election process works in your country.Ask your child what they know so that you don't get redundant.They can learn more about the electoral process by discussing the political parties.If you live in America, you might say that the presidential election is determined by the Electoral College, which is based on both the popular vote and the population of a State.
Step 6: Discuss political ads.
The number of negative political ads is increasing.Ask your kids to notice the colors and music of the ads.Dark colors and scary music can help to portray a candidate in a negative light.Inform them to notice this so that they don't get swayed by the images.Discuss any instances of bullied people in the ads.It is important for your kids to know not to say bad things about others if they don't know if it is true.
Step 7: Talk about the candidates that you don't like.
Middle school children are better able to understand politics than elementary children, so prepare to have a more intensive conversation with them.Discuss the candidates that you like as well as those you don't and give the pros and cons of both.You could say that you like this candidate because he supports healthcare reform, but you don't like his policies on gun control.
Step 8: There are two sides to every political issue.
It's easy to present only your political views, so try to be objective.If you have a problem with being objective about an issue, at least give the other side of the story.If your kids absorb your political beliefs without considering the other side of the issue, they may not be thinking about the issues at all.If they don't have the ability to see both sides, they may have trouble debating their beliefs and having civil political discussions with people as they get older.Maybe you are talking about legalization of marijuana with your child.You can inform them about the uses of the drug as well as the mass incarcerations of people of color if you believe that it is moral.
Step 9: You should voice your opinions with respect.
Don't curse or yell when talking about politics.They should not be told that their ideas are stupid.Ask them why they feel the way they do, and explain your own thoughts.Help them understand that people get upset when having political discussions.Civil discussion and avoiding fights will be helped by this.
Step 10: Listen to their concerns.
Your child might be concerned about the political climate in your country.They might have fears that their friends will be deported, that a terrorist attack will occur in your town, or that the country is in danger.Help to alleviate their concerns by talking to them about these.If they are worried about terrorism, you can say "I can understand why that would scare you, especially with everything being discussed on the news."It's very unlikely and there isn't anything we can do about it.
Step 11: The news and debates can be watched together.
If you want to spark conversation, you can watch the news and political debates with your children.When news stories are discussed on TV, check in to see what your teen thinks.See what they think could be done to fix the issue.You can find out what the government could do to reduce and prevent terrorism by watching the news.
Step 12: Encourage them to check their facts.
There are many untruths being told during debates and political ads.Encourage your children not to trust what they hear politically and to verify it for themselves.Encourage your teen to use resources like this because NPR fact checks candidates during debates.
Step 13: They should join clubs or organizations.
Many schools offer political clubs for students to join.This will teach your student how to articulate their thoughts persuasively and respectfully.They will be able to learn more about politics in a peer environment.
Step 14: Take them to the polls with you.
They can get a good view of the political process if you take them to a voting booth when they are young.There is a correlation between the excitement of voting and a positive view of politics.
Step 15: People can volunteer or attend political events together.
You might want to teach your child about the values important to you if you have similar political views.They will be able to form their own opinions on the issue if you take them to volunteer with you.If it's important to you, you could take them to a march or parade that focuses on the issue.You can help organize a local clean up day if you care about the environment.