Parents are often hesitant to discuss politics with their children. Past research studies have reported that parents avoid political topics because they think their children are uninterested in politics, will not understand political issues, or should be shielded from the divisiveness of political discourse. In a study colleagues and I did surrounding the 2020 presidential election, a father of a 6-year-old said that in their family “we do not discuss politics or religion because those subjects can become emotional and invite conflict” (Patterson & Pahlke, 2021). Parents like this father hope that by avoiding discussions of politics, their children will remain blissfully unaware of the partisan fights roiling our country.
The problem, though, is that research suggests that from an early age, children are being exposed to messages about politics and are trying to make sense of what they hear.
We know, for example, that particularly during election seasons, most children can identify politicians’ names from their pictures (Fletcher & López-Pérez, 2022; Patterson et al., 2019). And they pay attention to what candidates say. In 2016, for example, 74 percent of elementary-school-aged children could describe at least one policy or plan proposed by one of the presidential candidates (Patterson et al., 2019). Their understanding of those policies, though, is sometimes inaccurate or lacks nuance. For example, a 9-year-old girl explained that, “Hillary Clinton wants banks or businesses to run out of money.” Another 8-year-old girl explained, “Trump doesn’t want women to go to school.” Unsurprisingly, these misunderstandings lead some children to feel confused and scared (Patterson et al., 2019).
Where do these ideas come from? In developmental psychology, we often talk about children being “little scientists.” From a young age, children are looking for patterns, testing hypotheses, and trying to come up with the best explanations for what they observe. Previous research suggests kids are picking up information they overhear from the adults in their lives, news from the radio or TV, or conversations on the playground. So, although we as parents might hope that our children will be sheltered from all political discussions, chances are that they’re hearing something. The trick, then, is for parents to make sure their children are getting accurate information.
Parents who want to help their children understand politics—and reduce their children’s anxieties about politics—can do a few things.
Start with questions. To get a sense of your child’s own understanding of and interest in politics, start by listening. Ask them what they know about what is currently going on. What have they heard? How do they think the process works? Is there anything they are excited or worried about?
Provide (developmentally appropriate) resources. Your child is an information sponge. If they’re interested in politics or the history of protest movements, consider going to the library and learning more together. Showing your child materials like voter pamphlets and campaign materials while also helping them critically think about the messages will help increase their political knowledge and engagement.
Use concrete examples. Kids in elementary school sometimes struggle with abstract ideas. As you talk to your child about what politicians can (and can’t) do, think about emphasizing policies that might impact things in your own community that they can see.
Be honest while also providing reassurance when possible. Over the last 10 years, I’ve talked to many young kids who were afraid about how elections might impact their lives. They worry about, for example, friends or family members being deported, the use of physical force against citizens, and politicians taking away their family’s resources. Talk to your child honestly about any fears they may have. Promise that you’ll be honest and continue talking to them about what is happening. And consider volunteering together on a project that makes a positive impact in your community.
Research suggests kids are paying attention. And many teachers are hesitant to talk about politics with their students, fearing backlash from their communities (Woo et al., 2024). So, if we as parents want our children to have accurate, informed views of politics, it’s up to us to open up the communication channels. Start tonight at dinner with a simple question about what they have heard.