Election, for many people, is considered a tense topic to discuss in the harmony of the home. With so much news circulating in traditional media and social networks, it is important to know how to properly involve children in this type of subject.
Helping children grow up in a stress-free environment is crucial, as research show that high levels of stress and fear can have adverse effects on the development of a individual.
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American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) CEO Karen Remley even wrote a letter on behalf of the AAP, addressing the importance of making children feel safe and protected in their daily lives, especially in times of elections.
Parents can ease their little one's fears by following simple tips – encouraging conversation, listening to their children and volunteering to improve their community. Tanguay suggests monitoring the social media and news habits your kids consume. It helps to understand what he or she is hearing and seeing.
It is also important to explain in a didactic way basic concepts such as the importance of voting, respecting different opinions, what is democracy and how the decisions of politicians can affect the all.
As for what you should say about the current election, Tanguay says it depends on the child. Ask what he or she heard, but don't force the issue. “The child must express themselves and the parents must listen to them, and then talk about it with them in a simple way,” suggests Tanguay.
It's also important to talk to your children if you are heavily affected by the election, as children are good at sensing emotions. Make sure you are prepared if your child experiences conflict over these types of issues, and that he can talk about it with you.
“For pediatrics, one of our core values is to protect all children, regardless of any factor. And it's also a core value, I think, of most parents,” says Tanguay. “We can focus on this without being partisan. That's a value we all agree on, and I think it's important that we talk about it."
