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The outcome of the 2024 Presidential Election may have stirred up strong feelings for many of us, and it’s likely that children are picking up on the emotions surrounding this pivotal moment in history. If you are feeling a myriad of emotions, your child may be experiencing a similar mix—especially if the election results differ from their expectations or beliefs. Talking about the election with children can be difficult; however, following are six helpful tips for talking to your children about the election outcome.
1. Start by Listening Before diving in with your thoughts, ask the other person how they’re feeling about the results. Listening first helps set a tone of respect and gives insight into their perspective. Sometimes, people just want to be heard, especially if they’re feeling anxious, disappointed, or uncertain about the future.
2. Acknowledge Emotions Election results often evoke intense feelings, from joy to sadness and frustration. Validating these emotions is important, even if you don’t share them. Saying, “I can see this result is really important to you” or “I understand why you’d feel that way” goes a long way toward maintaining a compassionate, understanding environment for discussion.
3. Stay Informed, Not Inflammatory Stick to the facts and avoid sensationalism. Sharing information responsibly and fact-checking claims can keep the conversation grounded. This also means avoiding inflammatory language or derogatory labels. Discussing policy implications and data instead of opinions on personalities can make the conversation less personal and more issue-focused.
4. Focus on Shared Values Emphasize values and goals you both care about, like fair elections, the economy, healthcare, or environmental issues. Highlighting shared concerns can bridge gaps in understanding and bring a more productive tone to the discussion.
5. Respect Boundaries Some people may simply not want to talk about politics, especially after a highly charged election season. If you sense that the conversation is causing stress or tension, suggest a change of topic. Showing respect for their boundaries lets them know that you care about the relationship more than winning a debate.
6. Find Positive Actions Discussing next steps or positive actions can help redirect intense emotions into something constructive. Whether it’s volunteering, supporting local causes, or learning more about the issues at hand, taking action can offer a sense of purpose and reduce feelings of powerlessness.
“Today, when political rhetoric is so extreme, children might really worry that World War III is around the corner,” Susan McWilliams Barndt, a politics professor at Pomona College, in Claremont, California, explained in an interview with Newsweek. “If they see adults—especially the adults who keep them safe—panicking, they can spiral.”
Approaching post-election conversations with empathy, openness, and respect can make these discussions more meaningful and help strengthen relationships, even during divisive times. Remember to keeps conversations respectful, constructive, and open. Let your children know that it is okay to be sad or upset if the results didn’t turn out as they had hoped, but also reassure them that although democracy can sometime be a bit messy, together you will deal with whatever the future may hold.
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