How to Talk to Kids About Politics (When They Aren't Your Kids)

As we get closer to the US election in November, tensions rise within every family and community. Whether you’re watching every poll and news update with bated breath or disengaging for your mental health, there’s no denying that we’re all constantly surrounded by politics everywhere we turn. It doesn’t matter if you’re six or sixty - the ads are non-stop, the opinions and beliefs are passionate, and everyone has some level of awareness about what’s going on in our world, including our own kids and the children we care for on a daily basis. Like any sensitive topic, talking to kids about politics can be stressful and touchy to navigate, especially when those kids aren't your own. As nannies, we’re uniquely positioned: children look up to us for guidance, and our relationships with them are founded on trust, respect, and genuine care. However, it’s also our responsibility to ensure we respect their parents’ boundaries and personal beliefs, whether they align with our own. And, as with many conversations with kids, we can’t always control or predict when these topics come up.

With a little help from some of our favorite resources, we've compiled some strategies for discussing politics with children in an informative, age-appropriate way that respects the family's beliefs (without compromising your own) and follows the guidelines you'll set together. From understanding what kids already know to model respectful discourse, here are some tools and insights to turn these challenging conversations into opportunities for learning and growth, helping the children in your care become informed and thoughtful citizens.

Communication with Parents About Politics

When discussing sensitive topics like politics with children, respectful communication and alignment with their parents are crucial. As a nanny, you play a pivotal role in guiding children while balancing this with the family’s values. This requires a thoughtful approach to ensure that your guidance is in harmony with the parents’ views, offering children honest and age-appropriate information.

Practical Steps for Parental Alignment:

• Start with a Conversation: Before diving into any political discussions, have a candid conversation with the parents. Find out their comfort level with these topics and whether they have specific guidelines. Some may want to avoid certain subjects altogether, while others might be open to these discussions but prefer them handled in a particular way. This dialogue helps you align your approach with the parents’ preferences, ensuring consistency in the messaging the children receive.
• Finding Common Ground: Even when parents’ beliefs differ from your own, there are ways to find common ground. Discuss with the parents how to navigate tricky topics. You might agree to redirect certain questions back to the parents or focus on universal values important to the family. This strategy helps maintain harmony and respect while avoiding situations where you might feel compromised in your beliefs.
• Ongoing Communication: Regular check-ins with the parents are vital in navigating sensitive conversations successfully. This can be as simple as updating them on what topics have come up and how you’ve addressed them or discussing potential questions the children might ask, especially during politically charged times. Keeping this dialogue open builds trust and reassures parents that you’re handling these topics with care and respect.

Example in Practice:

• Scenario: If a child asks about a recent political event, and you know the parents prefer that you steer clear of the topic or that your beliefs don’t mirror theirs, you could say, “That’s a really interesting question! How about we ask your parents what they think about it later?” This way, you acknowledge the child’s curiosity while respecting the parents’ boundaries.

Maintaining an open dialogue and finding common ground creates a supportive environment for the children while respecting the parents’ values and preferences.

Understanding Children’s Perspective About Politics

Children are often exposed to political topics through various sources—television, social media, conversations they overhear—but they may not fully grasp the context or implications of what they’re hearing. This exposure can lead to confusion, questions, and even anxiety about the world around them.

Practical Steps for Gauging Context and Curiosity:

• Start by Listening: When a child brings up politics, the first thing to do is listen and gauge what they already know and are curious about. This helps you tailor the conversation to their level of understanding and address any misconceptions they might have. As PBS highlights, “children often hear about politics from various sources but might not understand the context.” By listening and asking them questions instead of jumping in with an opinion or response, you can assess their knowledge and curiosity, allowing you to provide accurate and age-appropriate information.
• Ask Open-Ended Questions: Engage the child with questions like “What have you heard about the election?” or “What do you think about what’s happening on the news?” These questions help you understand their perspective and encourage them to express any concerns or interests they may have. As Children’s Minnesota emphasizes, this approach is essential: “Assess their current knowledge and curiosity before starting the conversation.” It ensures your discussion is relevant and meaningful to the child.
• Provide Reassurance: Understanding where the child is coming from allows you to engage in an informative and comforting conversation. Reassure them that it’s okay to have questions and concerns and that it’s normal not to understand everything they hear about in the news. This can help alleviate any anxiety and provide them with a sense of security.

Example: If a child expresses anxiety after hearing about a political event, you might say, “It sounds like you’ve heard some big news. What do you think about it?” This invites them to share their thoughts and feelings, allowing you to clarify any misconceptions and provide comfort.

Age-Appropriate Discussions About Politics

Once you have a solid understanding with your employers and have the green light to discuss politics with kids, it’s essential to tailor the conversation to their age and level of understanding. What resonates with a teenager won’t necessarily make sense to a young child, so adjusting the complexity of your discussion is key to ensuring that the message is clear and meaningful.

Practical Steps for Tailored Conversations:

• Younger Children: Younger children may not grasp the intricacies of elections or political parties, but they do understand basic concepts like leadership and decision-making. Begin with simple ideas, such as explaining that elections are a way for people to choose leaders who make important decisions for everyone, much like how a class might vote for a team leader. Relating elections to family decision-making or choosing a team captain can help make the process relatable and easier to understand.
  • Example: “Imagine we’re deciding what game to play. Everyone gets to choose, and we all vote on it. That’s kind of like how elections work!”
• Older Children and Teenagers: Older children often have some foundational knowledge about civic duties and government functions. These conversations can delve deeper into why voting matters, the role of different branches of government, and how political decisions impact everyday life. This not only educates but also encourages critical thinking and civic engagement.
  • Example: “Just like we choose a team captain in sports to lead and make decisions, in an election, voters choose leaders to make decisions for the country. These decisions affect things like our schools, roads, and even the environment.”
• Maintain a Tailored Approach: The key is to match your explanations to the child’s developmental stage. As PBS suggests, “Tailor the complexity of the discussion to the child’s age and comprehension level.” This prevents overwhelming them with information that might be too abstract or complex, helping them build a solid foundation for understanding politics as they grow.
• Practical Tip: For younger children, use simple language and relatable examples, like comparing the president to a school principal who helps everyone work together. For older children, encourage questions and foster open dialogue, especially during election seasons when political discussions are more frequent.

By adjusting your conversations to suit the child’s age, you can help them understand the political process in a way that is both accessible and meaningful.

Engage with Their Curiosity About Politics

Encouraging children to ask questions about the election process can lead to a deeper understanding. By engaging with their curiosity, you help demystify the process and make it more accessible.

Practical Steps for Encouraging Questions:

• Invite Questions: Encourage children to ask about the election process, making it a two-way conversation. If a child asks why voting is important, explain that it’s a way for everyone to share their ideas and opinions on how things should be done, ensuring that different voices are heard.
  • Example: “Voting is like when we all decide what movie to watch together. Everyone shares their opinion, and we pick the one most people agree on. It’s a way to make sure everyone’s ideas are considered.”
• Relate to Their Experiences: Use relatable examples to explain concepts. For instance, comparing voting to making decisions in a group can help children grasp why participation is crucial.

Foster an Understanding of Civic Responsibility

Discussing the election process offers an opportunity to introduce the concept of civic responsibility. Voting is not just a right but a responsibility that shapes the community and the country.

Practical Steps for Teaching Civic Responsibility:

• Explain the Importance of Participation: Emphasize that voting is a way for people to take part in important decisions that affect everyone. This helps children appreciate the significance of participation in democracy, even if they are too young to vote themselves.
  • Example: “Just like how everyone in the family helps out with chores to keep the house nice, voting is a way adults help take care of the community by choosing leaders who will make good decisions for everyone.”
• Connect to Civic Engagement: Relating the act of voting to everyday responsibilities helps children understand that being a part of a community involves contributing to it, which lays the groundwork for their future civic engagement.

By using simple language, relatable analogies, and engaging with their curiosity, you can help children understand the election process in a way that is both informative and meaningful. This approach not only educates them about how leaders are chosen but also instills an early appreciation for civic responsibility.

Encouraging Critical Thinking About Politics

In today’s world, children are constantly exposed to information, much of it related to politics. Encouraging them to think critically about what they hear and see is essential in helping them develop a well-rounded understanding of political issues and make informed decisions as they grow older.

Practical Steps for Promoting Critical Thinking Around Politics:

• Encourage Questioning and Analysis:
• Invite children to ask questions about political messages they encounter, whether through the news, social media, or conversations at home. Creating an environment where questions are welcomed helps children become more inquisitive and less passive about the information they receive. As PBS advises, “promote asking questions and seeking out reliable information.”
  • Example: When a child hears a political statement, you might say, “That’s interesting—what do you think they meant by that?” This encourages the child to think deeper and ask questions about what they’ve heard.
• Teach Media Literacy: Help children analyze political messages and media sources by explaining that not all information is created equal. Encourage them to look for reliable, fact-based information and consider who is delivering the message and why. This skill is critical in the age of social media, where misinformation can spread quickly.
• Guiding Questions: Encourage children to consider questions like, “Who is the source of this information?”, “What is the purpose of the message?” and “Are there any facts or data to support the claims being made?” This approach helps them evaluate the credibility of the information they encounter.
• Foster Open Dialogue: Encourage children to share their thoughts and perspectives on political topics. This helps you understand their viewpoint and gives them the confidence to explore and express their ideas. As Children’s Colorado suggests, fostering open dialogue about politics allows children to practice critical thinking in a safe and supportive environment.
  • Example: “What do you think about what we heard on the news today?” This question opens up a discussion, allowing children to express their opinions and engage in thoughtful analysis.

By promoting questioning, teaching media literacy, and fostering open dialogue, you help children develop the critical thinking skills they need to navigate the world of politics. These skills will serve them well throughout their lives, enabling them to engage with political issues thoughtfully and responsibly.

Modeling Respectful Discourse

Teaching children how to engage in respectful political discussions is a crucial skill that will serve them throughout their lives. In a polarized world where differing opinions often lead to heated arguments, modeling calm and respectful conversations is more important than ever.

Practical Steps for Encouraging Respectful Conversations Around Politics:

• Demonstrate Respectful Dialogue: Children learn by example, so it’s essential to show how to discuss politics respectfully, even when opinions differ. Stay calm and considerate during political discussions, demonstrating that it’s possible to disagree without becoming confrontational. As PBS recommends, “Show how to engage in respectful conversations even when opinions differ.” By doing so, you set a standard for the children in your care, teaching them that differing viewpoints can be expressed respectfully.
  • Example: If someone shares a political opinion you disagree with, respond with, “I see where you’re coming from, and here’s how I see it differently.” This models how to engage in a respectful exchange of ideas.
• Encourage Listening and Understanding Multiple Viewpoints: Teach children the importance of listening to and understanding multiple viewpoints. Explain that everyone’s experiences and beliefs shape their opinions, and by listening to others, they can learn more about the world and develop empathy for different perspectives. Good Housekeeping highlights the importance of teaching children to listen actively, ensuring they genuinely consider what others are saying.
  • Example: When a child expresses a strong opinion, respond with, “That’s an interesting point. Let’s explore what someone with a different opinion might think and why.” This encourages them to consider other perspectives and reinforces the value of understanding diverse viewpoints.
• Foster an Inclusive Approach to Discussions: Use political discussions as opportunities to broaden a child’s perspective. Reinforce the idea that these conversations are not about winning or losing but about understanding and learning from one another. This approach fosters a more inclusive and respectful attitude towards diverse opinions.
• Practical Tip: Encourage children to ask questions like, “Why might someone see this issue differently?” This promotes curiosity and understanding rather than division.

By modeling and encouraging respectful conversations, you help children develop the skills to engage in meaningful and constructive political dialogue. This prepares them to participate in civic life and teaches them to value and respect the diversity of opinions that make up our society.

Handling Sensitive Topics Around Politics

When discussing sensitive political issues such as racism, inequality, and violence, it’s essential to approach these conversations with care. These topics can be complex and emotionally charged, so it is crucial to guide children through them with empathy and age-appropriate language.

Practical Steps for Discussing Sensitive Issues:

• Approach with Empathy and Age-Appropriate Language: Sensitive topics like racism, inequality, and violence can be challenging for children to understand. Start by acknowledging the difficulty of the subject and reassuring the child that it’s okay to have questions or feel unsure. Use simple, clear language to explain these issues and why they are important. As noted by Children’s Colorado, “When discussing difficult issues, it’s important to be honest but also to tailor the conversation to the child’s level of understanding.”
  • Example : For younger children, focus on the ideas of fairness and kindness. You might say, “Racism is when people are treated unfairly just because of the color of their skin, and that’s not right. We should always stand up for what’s fair and kind.” For older children, delve into the history and impact of these issues, helping them understand the broader context.
• Break Down Complex Concepts: Simplify these complex topics into concepts that children can grasp without overwhelming or frightening them. As Children’s Minnesota advises, “Be prepared to discuss difficult issues like racism, inequality, and violence in an age-appropriate way.” Tailor your explanations to their level of emotional maturity and understanding.
  • Examples:
    • Racism: Explain racism as treating people unfairly because of their skin color and emphasize the importance of standing up for what is right.
    • Inequality: Discuss inequality by explaining how some people don’t have the same opportunities as others and why it’s important to work towards a fairer world.
    • Violence: Address violence by explaining that it’s harmful and that everyone deserves to feel safe, using examples relevant to the child’s lived experiences.
• Provide Reassurance and Focus on Positive Actions: It’s important to provide reassurance and focus on positive actions that can be taken. Let children know that while these issues are serious, there are many people working to make things better. NPR notes, “In moments of uncertainty, it’s helpful to focus on what we can do to make a positive difference.” Encourage children to think about ways they can contribute to making the world a kinder, more just place, even in small ways.
• Practical Tip: Encourage children to think of small, everyday actions they can take to promote fairness and kindness, such as standing up for a friend or helping someone in need.

By approaching sensitive topics with empathy, using age-appropriate language, and offering reassurance, you help children navigate these complex issues in a way that builds their understanding and compassion.

More Resources for Discussing Politics with Children

Navigating conversations about politics with children can be challenging, but there are plenty of resources available to help approach these discussions thoughtfully and effectively. Here are some valuable tools for both caregivers and the children they care for:

Resources for Kids

To help children understand politics in a way that’s engaging and accessible, it’s helpful to provide educational tools specifically designed for young audiences. Books, websites, and interactive programs can make complex political concepts easier to grasp and more interesting to explore.

Books:

• “Duck for President” by Doreen Cronin: This humorous book uses the character of Duck to explain the election process in an entertaining way for younger children.
• “Grace for President” by Kelly DiPucchio: This story follows a young girl named Grace as she runs for school president, teaching readers about the campaign process and the importance of voting.

Websites:

• Kids Voting USA: A site dedicated to educating children about the importance of voting and civic engagement through interactive activities and lessons.
• Scholastic Election Central: Offers resources and information about elections, government, and the political process in a format that’s easy for kids to understand.

Videos:

• Kid President Videos: These videos feature a young boy giving humorous and inspiring speeches about leadership, kindness, and civic responsibility. They’re a great way to introduce children to political concepts in a fun and engaging way.

Engaging children in conversations about politics helps them develop critical thinking skills and understand the world around them. Providing these resources not only helps children learn about politics but also fosters a sense of curiosity and a lifelong interest in civic participation.

Resources for Caregivers and Educators

• PBS Parents: How to Talk to Children About PoliticsPBS provides a comprehensive guide to discussing politics with children, with tips on how to make the conversation engaging and age-appropriate.• Children’s Minnesota: Talking Politics: What to Say to Your KidsThis resource offers guidance on how to approach political discussions with children, ensuring that the conversation is both honest and appropriate for their developmental stage.• Children’s Colorado: Talking to Kids About PoliticsThis guide provides practical advice on how to discuss political topics with children, focusing on age-appropriate language and empathy.• Colorado Child Welfare Training System: How to Talk with Your Kids About PoliticsThis resource focuses on engaging children in discussions about politics in a way that is accessible and mindful of their emotional maturity.• NPR: Anxious About the Election? Your Kids Can Tell—Here’s How to Talk About ItNPR offers insights into how children perceive political events and provides strategies for addressing their concerns and questions in a reassuring way.• Kids Mental Health Foundation: Parenting Kids: PoliticsThis site provides resources and tips for starting conversations about politics with kids, emphasizing the importance of mental health and emotional well-being.• Positive Parenting Solutions: How to Talk About PoliticsPositive Parenting Solutions offers practical advice for discussing politics with children in a constructive way that promotes understanding.• Taylor & Francis Online: Caught in the Crossfire: Kids and PoliticsThis book provides an in-depth look at how children are impacted by politics and how to navigate these discussions effectively.These resources are excellent starting points for caregivers and educators looking to navigate the often tricky terrain of political discussions with children. By using these tools, you can foster a more informed, compassionate, and critical-thinking generation.

Conclusion

Discussing politics with children is an important but delicate task that requires thoughtfulness, empathy, and respect. By understanding their perspective, tailoring conversations to their age, explaining the election process in simple terms, encouraging critical thinking, modeling respectful discourse, and handling sensitive topics with care, we can help children navigate the complex world of politics in a way that is both educational and supportive.As nannies, we play a crucial role in shaping how the children in our care perceive and engage with the world around them. By initiating these conversations and providing them with the tools to understand and think critically about political issues, we’re laying a foundation for them to become informed, thoughtful citizens.Start these conversations with the children you care for, using the resources provided—like books, websites, and videos—to make the learning process engaging and age-appropriate. The role isn’t just to inform but to guide children in a way that aligns with their family’s values and prepares them to participate in the democratic process.Explore the recommended resources and share your experiences or questions in the comments. Together, we can raise a generation that is not only informed but also respectful and open-minded in their approach to politics.Are you looking for an exceptional nanny, newborn care specialist, or private educator? Get in touch!Do you have what it takes to be an Adventure Nanny? Apply Now!