Voting is a special way that grown-ups make choices about things that matter in their community, like schools, parks, and safety. When people vote, they share their ideas on how to make their town or even the whole country a better place.
Teaching kids about voting helps them understand that everyone's voice is important, even if they're still young. It also shows them that they can make a difference when they grow up.
Talking to children about voting can be challenging. Fortunately, there is a way to make the discussion simple and fun. Here's a guide to help you get started!
Preschoolers and Kindergartners
If you're the parent of a preschooler or a kindergartener, it's best to help them learn the basic concept of voting, which all boils down to having a choice. To introduce this concept, you could let your children vote on simple things at home, like which dish to have for lunch or which book to read at bedtime.
When holding "voting" sessions, be sure to explain to your child that everyone gets a say and reinforce that their opinions matter.
Elementary School Students
When kids reach elementary school, they are more likely to have questions about why voting matters and how it happens. This is the age when parents should explain that when people vote, they are picking leaders or making decisions that could affect everyone.
To make it simple to understand, hold a mock election at home. Have your family vote on small family matters, such as where to go for an outing. After all votes have been cast, count the choices together and talk about what most people picked.
You can also read books like "Leo's First Vote" or "The President of the Jungle" to make the election feel exciting for kids. Take this opportunity to also discuss fairness and leadership.
Middle Schoolers
Middle schoolers are more likely to hear about voting in school or on social media. At this stage, parents should focus more on teaching critical thinking skills so they can better identify which information is factual and which is fiction.
To polish their critical thinking skills, hold a debate on non-political topics and ask questions like "Does pineapple belong on pizza?" This will make them comfortable in forming and voicing their own opinions as well as questioning any information they are receiving.
High Schoolers
Lastly, high schoolers are kids who already have their own opinions on certain issues and candidates. They are also likely to have questions about political topics, of which parents should answer truthfully.
High schoolers should be introduced to more complex voting issues and involved in discussions on how certain policies and decisions impact their community. They should also be taught to research a particular candidate or policy to prepare them for when it is their turn to cast their vote.
