Election seasons can be a tumultuous time for families. The barrage of news, opinions, and debates can affect not just adults but also children who are observing the world around them. As a parent, guiding your children through this period is crucial for their emotional well-being and civic development. Here are some comprehensive pieces of advice to help you support your children during elections.
Normalizing Feelings and Emphasizing Adaptation
Acknowledge Their Emotions It's normal for children to feel upset, confused, overwhelmed, or even disappointed by election results. Reassure them that these feelings are temporary and part of the process of understanding complex events.
Promote Resilience Through Acceptance Help them understand that resilience comes from acknowledging difficult emotions rather than ignoring or avoiding them. Normalize the idea of adaptation, emphasizing that it's okay to feel unsettled and that they will adjust over time.
Provide Space for Emotional Processing Encourage your children to express their feelings without judgment. Giving them room to process emotions helps them learn how to understand and regulate their reactions. Be flexible with expectations, recognizing that emotional processing takes time.
Modeling Healthy Emotional Responses
Teach Emotional Processing as a Skill Remind yourself that emotional intelligence is learned, not innate. Children look to adults to learn how to navigate complex feelings. Be proactive in teaching them coping strategies.
Demonstrate Coping Mechanisms Model healthy emotional responses. Show your children how you deal with disappointments or uncertainties related to elections. Your behavior sets a powerful example for them to emulate.
Share Your Own Feelings Be open about your emotions, even if they are conflicting. Sharing your experiences can make your children feel less alone and more understood.
Encouraging Civic Engagement
Empower Their Voices Even if your children are not old enough to vote, they can still impact their community. Encourage them to participate in discussions, volunteer for causes they believe in, or write to elected officials.
Highlight the Importance of Participation Emphasize that civic engagement is a cornerstone of democracy. Explain that even small actions can contribute to significant changes.
Provide Educational Resources Share resources like the League of Women Voters' VOTE411 website, which offers comprehensive information on voting and elections. Staying informed empowers both you and your children.
Talking About Politics with Children
Encourage Active Thinking and Action Help your children identify their values and discuss how they can act on their beliefs moving forward. This nurtures critical thinking and ethical development.
Foster Open Conversations Create an environment where open and honest discussions about the election are welcomed, even if disagreements arise. This teaches them that differing opinions are a natural part of society.
Stress Respect and Sensitivity Emphasize the importance of being respectful when discussing sensitive or controversial topics. Encourage them to express their views without targeting any individual or group negatively.
Addressing Political Polarization
Be Mindful of Conflicts Recognize that political polarization can strain relationships within families and friendships. Approach conversations about politics with sensitivity to avoid unnecessary conflicts.
Seek Diverse Perspectives Encourage seeking out and engaging with diverse viewpoints. Respectful dialogue with those who hold different political beliefs can broaden understanding and reduce polarization.
Model Constructive Disagreement Remind your children (and yourself) that it's okay to disagree with others. The key is to do so constructively and respectfully, focusing on ideas rather than personal attacks.
Navigating Family Conflicts
Set Healthy Boundaries It's acceptable to establish boundaries with family members or friends who are disrespectful or hurtful during political discussions. Protecting emotional well-being is paramount.
Find Common Ground When disagreements occur, try to focus on shared values or goals. This can help bridge gaps and foster mutual understanding.
Know When to Step Back If political debates become too intense, it's wise to take a break or agree to disagree. Stepping back can prevent lasting damage to relationships.
Supporting Young Voters
Guide Them Through the Voting Process If you have children eligible to vote for the first time, assist them in navigating voter registration and understanding your state's voting requirements. This support can alleviate anxiety and confusion.
Encourage Informed Voting Urge young voters to research candidates and issues thoroughly. Stress the importance of participating in every election, including local ones, as each vote contributes to shaping the community.
Understanding the Impact of Disagreements on Relationships
Political disagreements can significantly strain relationships, sometimes leading individuals to sever ties with family and friends. Strong convictions may cause people to view opposing perspectives as irrational or misguided, overshadowing other aspects of their relationships.
For example, someone might end a long-standing friendship due to conflicting views on critical issues like social justice or human rights. Such actions often stem from a belief that fundamental moral values are incompatible, making reconciliation difficult.
This divisiveness can also permeate workplaces, creating hostile environments and decreasing productivity. Some individuals cope by limiting exposure to differing views, such as venting in private groups of like-minded people. While this may offer temporary relief, it can reinforce biases and increase polarization.
Common Mistakes Made by Young Voters
Young and new voters often encounter obstacles that can impede their ability to vote effectively. Being aware of these common mistakes can help prevent them:
Incorrect Registration State: Young voters, particularly college students, might not realize they need to register in the state where they reside for school. Voting with a home address registration when living elsewhere can result in their vote not being counted.
Improper Identification: Voter ID requirements vary by state. Bringing an unacceptable form of ID, like a student ID in states that don't accept it, can prevent voting. Ensure they understand what identification is required in your state.
Misunderstanding Registration Cards: Some new voters think they must present their voter registration card at the polls. Typically, this card is for informational purposes only, indicating polling locations and precincts.
Conclusion
Navigating the complexities of elections with your children is a multifaceted task that involves emotional support, education, and open communication. By normalizing their feelings, modeling healthy responses, encouraging civic engagement, and addressing potential conflicts respectfully, you foster a nurturing environment for them to grow into informed and compassionate citizens.
Remember, it's essential to adapt these pieces of advice to your family's specific needs and dynamics. Every family is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. The goal is to support your children through the election season in a way that aligns with your family's values and strengthens your relationships.
Writer's Bio: Driven by a fascination with how young people learn, grow, and connect, Laura N. Larsson has spent years researching the role of play and social media in child and adolescent development. Since 2012, she has combined her ecommerce background with in-depth interviews of children and teenagers, producing insightful articles that explore the evolving interplay between play, communication, and online interaction. Read more articles by this author
Writer's Bio: Driven by a fascination with how young people learn, grow, and connect, Laura N. Larsson has spent years researching the role of play and social media in child and adolescent development. Since 2012, she has combined her ecommerce background with in-depth interviews of children and teenagers, producing insightful articles that explore the evolving interplay between play, communication, and online interaction. 
