As the presidential election gets closer, kids are bound to hear things about politics — at school, on TV, or even in the neighborhood. Whether you’re Republican, Democrat, or somewhere in between, as Christian parents it’s important to help our children understand the process in a way that aligns with our values. Whether your child is in elementary school or high school, you can help them navigate the information around them and approach the election with a spirit of love, respect, and faith.
Here’s how to have healthy conversations about the election with kids of all ages.
Keep It Simple for Elementary Kids
Young children may not understand the complexities of elections, but they are often curious. When explaining the election process to elementary-aged kids, focus on the basics while emphasizing kindness and respect for others.
Explain Voting in Simple Terms
Talk about how elections give people the chance to choose leaders who will make important decisions. You can compare voting to making choices they understand, like picking what game to play or what to eat for dinner.
Emphasize Respect
Explain that it’s okay for people to have different opinions, and we can still be kind even when we don’t agree. Reinforce the importance of listening to others, just as we want to be heard.
Incorporate Faith
Use this opportunity to talk about praying for our leaders, as the Bible encourages us to do. Teach them 1 Timothy 2:1-2, which says to pray for "kings and all those in authority," and remind them that God is in control, no matter who wins.
Encourage Critical Thinking for Middle Schoolers
Middle school is when kids start to develop stronger opinions and often hear more from their friends, teachers, or the media. It’s a great time to encourage curiosity and critical thinking in a way that remains grounded in your family’s values.
Ask Questions
Instead of telling your child what to think, ask them what they’ve heard about the election and how they feel about it. This helps them feel heard and teaches them to think about issues from different perspectives.
Teach About Media Influence
Middle schoolers are increasingly exposed to information through social media, TV, and friends. Talk to them about how to recognize bias, check sources, and seek out trustworthy information.
Pray for Wisdom Together
As kids get older, they’ll start forming their own beliefs. Encourage them to pray for wisdom and understanding as they learn about the world around them, and remind them that God calls us to seek truth with love and humility.
Foster Respectful Dialogue for High Schoolers
By high school, many teens are beginning to form their own political opinions. While they may not be able to vote yet, the election will still impact their lives, and they may feel strongly about certain issues. As parents, it’s important to foster respectful dialogue while helping them process what they’re hearing and feeling.
Discuss the Issues
High schoolers are ready to engage in deeper conversations about the issues at stake. Ask them what they care about and help them explore how their values — including their faith — align with different political platforms.
Encourage Respectful Debate
Remind your teen that, as Christians, we are called to love our neighbors, even those we disagree with. Model respectful dialogue by showing them how to listen without judgment and express their opinions with grace.
Point to Biblical Principles
Encourage your teen to consider how their faith informs their political views. Discuss issues like justice, compassion, and leadership through a biblical lens, and remind them that God’s kingdom is eternal, regardless of who wins any election.
Bonus Tip: Lead by Example
One of the best ways to teach your kids about the election is by modeling the behavior you want to see in them. Show them how to engage in respectful discussions, research the facts, and above all, pray for wisdom. Let them see that your faith is the foundation for how you approach politics and decision-making.
By talking openly with your kids about the election, you can help them navigate this often confusing and divisive time with grace and understanding. No matter how old they are, they’ll appreciate your guidance as they learn what it means to be a thoughtful, faithful citizen.
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