Talking to Your Child About Elections

Election season can be a challenging time for families, especially when heated discussions and strong opinions fill the media, schools and communities, and even our own homes. Kids are curious about the world around them, and they may need support understanding the election process, political candidates, and why adults are so passionate about these issues. As parents, how we answer these questions is an opportunity to teach our children about empathy, respect, and understanding for those with different viewpoints.

Here’s how to approach election conversations with your child in a way that humanizes people on both sides of the campaign:

1. Explain the Basics of Democracy

We know that kids feel safer with more information about what to expect, and this is a great opportunity to teach your kids about the process of democracy in an age appropriate way. Explain that elections are a way for people to choose leaders who will make decisions for the country. People have different ideas about what’s best, and elections allow them to share their opinions and make their voices heard. Remind your child that, in a democracy, everyone has the right to their own beliefs, which is what makes our country diverse and unique.

To help them understand these concepts, you can relate this to something they understand, like deciding on a family activity or dinner choice where everyone has a say, but not everyone may agree on the outcome.

2. Emphasize Shared Values

When discussing opposing viewpoints, focus on shared human values like kindness, fairness, and safety. Explain that while people may disagree on how to achieve these goals, most people genuinely want what’s best for their families and communities. By highlighting these shared intentions, you help your child see that those on the “other side” aren’t bad or wrong—they just have different ideas about how to solve problems.

You can explain that “Just like in school, people may have different ideas about what’s best for the class. One person might think extra recess is best, while another thinks more art time is better. Both ideas come from wanting everyone to enjoy school, even if the solutions are different.”  The point is to help your child understand that the people with different opinions still largely can have a lot in common.

3. Encourage Curiosity Over Judgment

Children are naturally curious, so encourage questions and wonder about why people believe what they do. Let them know that it’s okay to ask questions if they don’t understand why someone supports a particular candidate or policy. Instead of focusing on who is “right” or “wrong,” shift the conversation to asking others why the believe what they believe. This approach promotes open-mindedness and discourages judgment.

You can help your kiddo understand that it’s interesting to learn why people think differently. Sometimes people have different experiences which informs their decisions, and when we're curious about those experiences, we can be more open and understanding to others.

4. Model Respectful Dialogue

Children learn by watching, so how you talk about the election and those with opposing views will influence their behavior. If they hear you speak with respect and empathy, they’re more likely to adopt these attitudes themselves. Try framing your words carefully, using phrases like “Some people believe…” or “They care about…” instead of using divisive language. If a child hears their parent dismiss or criticize others harshly, they may adopt a similar approach.

This is a great opportunity for you to teach your child through modeling. If you find yourself in a heated discussion, pause and show your child how to step back, take a deep breath, and respond calmly. Explain that it's okay to feel strongly about something and still respect others who feel differently.  Make sure to vocalize what's happening: "I can tell I'm getting a little upset.  I want to hear what you're saying but I need a minute.  Hang on, please." *deep breaths* "Okay, so I understand you feel differently. I'd like to hear more about what you think."

5. Teach Them to Seek Out Reliable Information

Kids today are exposed to information from many sources, some reliable and some less so. Talk about the importance of finding trustworthy information and explain that not everything they see online or hear from friends is accurate. This helps them become more thoughtful and critical thinkers as they grow, which is essential in understanding complex topics like politics.

You can encourage your child that "when we want to learn about something important, we try to get our information from people who study it a lot, like teachers or scientists. This way, we’re learning from people who know the topic well."

6. Highlight That Differences Make Us Stronger

Finally, remind your child that diversity of thought makes communities stronger and more resilient. Different perspectives help solve problems in unique ways and keep things balanced. By respecting others’ views, we all have a better chance of understanding and building a better world together.

Talking to children about the election season can feel daunting, but by using these conversations as opportunities to teach empathy, respect, and understanding, we can help them grow into compassionate adults. With guidance, children can learn that elections aren’t just about winning or losing—they’re about finding ways to make our communities and our country a better place for everyone.

At the end of the day, encourage your child to ask questions, stay curious, and remember that every person, no matter their beliefs, deserves kindness and respect.