Most kids only care about cartoons, movies, games, toys and food but never about politics. However, having some knowledge about politics can help kids develop their critical thinking skills and their social awareness.
Care.com shared some tips for talking with kids about politics. You might be able to help your kids become more thoughtful, compassionate and open-minded by following these tips.
1. Sharing Without Forcing
One of the most important tips for talking with kids about politics is to not force your political opinion on children while sharing it with them. Make sure that your kids understand that they have a choice of which side of the political issue they will support.
2. Stay Calm
When talking with your kids about politics, make sure that you speak in a calm and gentle voice. Being aggressive while speaking about politics might drive away your kids away from you.
3. Try To Sound Positive
"It's not easy, I know. But it's important to do your best not to make negative comments about candidates in front of your kids," Huffington Post advises. "Instead, talk about the positive aspects of your preferred candidate to indicate why that person might be the better choice."
4. Help Them Dig Deeper Into The Issue
Parents should teach their kids not to fully believe whatever they hear on the news. Tell your kids that many politicians have hidden agenda behind their actions and words. Share with them that a thorough analysis and investigation on political issues should be done before forming an opinion or supporting a cause.
5. Relate Politics To Their Daily Life
One of the most effective tips for talking to kids about politics is by showing to them the relevance of different political issues to their daily lives. Explore with your kids how certain political issues and decisions might affect the different aspects of your family's life and future.