People cannot escape talking about politics these days when current events spark civic and social awareness. Parents might want to start having political conversations with their young kids especially when some of these things are being discussed in school.
There are, however, some things that moms and dads have to consider first before beginning a conversation about politics with the kids. Ronnie K. Stephens, an educator and a father, suggested three things to note in his site Dad Arms.
First, parents need to understand the chance to talk politics with the children is a "very exclusive form of privilege" and not all families have this choice. He believes, however, that his choice of talking politics to his children is molding them to be better individuals but this doesn't discount the lack of privilege in other families.
Second, some parents might hesitate talking politics with their kids because their young minds might not be able to grasp it. The teacher assures parents that kids in elementary school these days are exposed to current political issues and it would be good to have the same exposure at home.
"Honesty is always the best policy," child psychologist Amanda Gummer told Huffington Post when it comes to parenting and politics. "It's important to acknowledge what is your own opinion and that there are other people who have different opinions," she said.
Gummer's statement supports Stephen's third criteria for talking politics with kids in that it should be about helping them learn critical thinking and not about forcing an ideology. Parents need to be ready to have their opinions, ideas or beliefs challenged by their kids.
These days, it's not enough for parents to simply assure their children not to worry when they can see what's going on in government and in the world. Hence, introducing politics at home will help them process or clarify things.
Gummer also said that there is no specific "right" age to start talking politics. Parents, however, should be careful not to overload children with information, so keep the discussions simple.
