how to talk to your child about voting

Talking to kids about voting is an excellent way to introduce them to the importance of civic engagement and the power of their voice in shaping the world around them. Whether you're explaining the basics of elections to young children or diving into more complex topics with teenagers, these conversations can help foster a sense of responsibility and interest in their future role as voters. At every age, there are meaningful ways to engage children in discussions about democracy, voting and why their participation matters. We sat down with Laura Meyers, pediatric psychologist at Dayton Children’s, to explore age-appropriate strategies for discussing voting, from preschool to high school, helping parents and caregivers spark curiosity and understanding at every stage of development.

talking about voting with your child

It’s never too early to talk to your child about the importance of voting. Instilling community values early and often throughout your child's life helps them to feel like an active participant in their world. It is important for children to feel like they have a voice and that their opinions matter. Learning about voting makes kids more likely to engage in citizenship activities later in life, like voting, running for office or volunteering.

talking about voting with your preschooler

When it comes to preschoolers, start the conversation about voting by creating excitement about being part of a country, family and/or classroom:

• Tell them what it means to be kind and thoughtful of others.
• Help create values and show them through your actions towards others. Point out how they make a difference for others in their groups. For example, by helping with chores, you made the home a nicer place for everyone!
• Coloring pages are a great way to create excitement. This could be a flag, a polling place or anything having to do with being part of a community.
• Bring your child to vote with you and get them a sticker! Encourage them to thank the poll workers.

talking about voting with your school-aged child

For your school-aged child, include them in conversations about age-appropriate political issues like funding for local school districts. Talk with them about their school and what is important to them about their school environment. Use examples that you are aware of from their classrooms like conflict resolution, grade-related privileges, etc. In addition, you can:

• Engage your school-aged children in making decisions at home. You can even vote on family activities such as what to have for dinner or what movie to watch.
• Validate your child's opinions (it doesn't mean they get to change the rules, but it helps them to feel safe speaking up).
• Bring your child to vote with you! Explain what is happening and why it is personally important to you to vote.

talking about voting with your middle schooler

As your child gets older, the topics you can discuss can begin to expand. For example with your middle school-aged child:

• Talk about the different offices that exist in politics and look through web pages for the candidates.
• Ask their thoughts about what issues are important to them. Show them how to look up what the candidates are saying about those issues.
• This is also a good age to talk about the role of peer pressure in decision making and how to stay true to your values when your friends disagree.
• Most kids at this age are likely able to understand the structure of the government (House, Senate, Electoral College, checks and balances, etc.). You can explain who does what during election season and for which office a candidate is running.

talking about voting with your high schooler

Your high schooler might be able to participate in the election season as a poll worker. Rules and regulations vary by state, but in many states, you can be a poll worker at 16 or 17. So, encourage them to become a poll worker when they qualify in their state. Additionally, when it comes to having conversations about voting:

• Ask high schoolers their opinions and values. Watch debates with your child and ask their thoughts. Share your thoughts. Ask them how the candidates match or mismatch their own values. Encourage high schoolers to write to their representatives about what's important to them!
• Ask them what they are discussing in their social studies classes at school.
• Encourage them to be part of student government.
• If your child's school offers a Washington, D.C. trip, support their participation to the best of your ability.
• Talk to them about ways they can volunteer to help a candidate they are particularly passionate about. Show them how you volunteer. If you run for office as a parent, engage your high schooler in your campaign.

talking to kids about having different opinions 

When talking to kids about voting, it’s important to also talk to them about the different opinions that exist when it comes to politics. Teaching kids how to disagree respectfully starts at home, for example:

• They watch you, so make sure you disagree respectfully.
• Listen to and validate others.
• Listen to and validate your children.
• Discourage personal attacks and name calling.
• Encourage space to voice your opinions in a safe, non-judgmental manner.
• Thank your child (and others) for sharing their point of view with you.

Kids' values will change over time and it's inevitable that at one point or another, they are not going to align with yours. Parents and caregivers should be a safe place for kids to be whoever they are. If they don't feel psychologically safe sharing their opinions and values with you it can negatively impact your relationship and their relationships with others in the future.  

By starting conversations about voting early and tailoring them to each child’s age, we can empower the next generation to become informed, engaged and responsible citizens.