When it comes to talking to your kids about political matters,
you may think that your 8-year-old would rather be playing video
games or that your 14-year-old would prefer texting friends - but
you might be wrong.
Prior to the 2008 presidential election, KidsHealth.org asked
more than 2,000 kids and teens throughout the U.S. what they
thought about the election and how it might affect them, if at
all.
A whopping 75% of kids and 79% of teens answered "yes"
when asked whether they thought that the outcome of the election
would change their lives. Nearly half of teens surveyed said that
they believed they'd had at least some influence on their
parents' choice of candidate.
So, if you think your children are only interested in talking
about kids' stuff, think again.
What's On Their Minds?
During election time, you can't walk down the street without
seeing signs, bumper stickers, or ads for political candidates.
Turn on the TV or radio or surf the Web and you're faced with
an onslaught of images on everything from health care and the
economy to war abroad and the energy crisis.
As parents, we can't expect our kids not to be influenced by
this media blitz. In fact, most teens who took our election poll in
2008 ranked talked-about issues - like gas and food prices,
education, health care, war, and the environment - as "very
important" to them.
Knowing what kids think about these issues and how they might
affect your family is important. Talking about it not only helps to
promote learning and develop critical thinking skills, but also
lets you clarify any misconceptions your kids may have or calm any
fears about the future.
Talk About It
When discussing an election, talk about what you believe and why
- and ask your kids what they think and feel. This shows that you
value their opinions and want to hear what's on their
minds.
If their opinions differ from yours, that's OK. Use it as a
teaching opportunity: Why do they feel that way? Can they come up
with examples to support their view? Engaging kids in this way
helps them to develop their own opinions and express their
ideas.
More tips to keep in mind:
-
Keep it positive.
In the heat of an election season, strong feelings about tough
issues can spark disagreements. Use the opportunity to show kids
how to voice differences of opinion with respect, strength, and
conviction. Say what you
don't
like about a candidate or his or her position and explain what
you
do
like about your candidate of choice. Encourage your kids to do
the same. Focus on the positive attributes of your candidate -
talk about what you're
for
and your kids will too.
-
Be reassuring.
Perhaps kids are worried by what the candidates and others are
saying about the economy or the job market. They might fear the
family losing the house or a parent losing a job. Listen to their
concerns and provide reassurance and perspective. If you're
facing financial troubles, be honest and then tell your kids (in
an age-appropriate way) what you're doing to handle the
problem.
-
Suggest they get involved.
Many kids are quite interested in - and concerned about - the
issues facing the country right now. Taking action helps them
feel empowered and effective, and builds problem-solving skills.
Help kids think of what they can do. Talk about how small things
can add up to make a big difference. Perhaps to save money,
they'll want to make lunches instead of buying them at
school. Or, if the environment is of particular concern, maybe
they'd like to find ways to help the family "go
green" at home. Let your kids know that just like voting for
a candidate can make a difference, so can working toward an issue
that you'd like to change.
Casting Your Vote
Talking with your kids about important issues, the electoral
process, and why voting is important not only provides them with a
mini lesson on how government affects the world, but also shows
that every person's opinion counts. Even though they can't
vote yet, they'll be able to someday - perhaps very soon - so
it's important that they start becoming informed.
If possible, take your kids with you into the voting booth on
Election Day to show them firsthand how the process works. Be a
role model by setting a positive example that lets them know you
value the right to vote. Show your kids the importance of voting -
and they'll grow up knowing that every vote counts.
Reviewed by:
D'Arcy Lyness, PhD
Date reviewed: October 2008
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-2009 The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth. All rights reserved.