It was a typical day at a busy fast-food spot when a driver nearly slammed into my car and honked loudly. I let him pass, and as I pulled out, I noticed his bumper sticker. “Of course, he supports that guy,” I muttered under my breath.
“What guy?” my 6-year-old, Sam, asked curiously.
I paused, realizing I had to explain this in a way he could understand. “Well, he supports Donald Trump, who is running for president.” Sam nodded, as he’s already familiar with the concept of the presidency. “So who’s Donald Trump?”
I believe in being truthful with my children, so I explained, “Donald Trump is a wealthy man who rarely uses his money to help others. He often says unkind things about women and people of color. For example, he wants to build a wall to keep out people from Mexico and Central America. He even suggested that people should hurt his opponent, Hillary Clinton, which is never right.”
Sam listened intently, and I continued, “His supporters can sometimes be even more extreme. They have rallies where they shout hurtful, racist words. Some even wear shirts that advocate violence against Hillary.”
I took a breath before explaining, “They believe they are taking back America from those of us who think the government should help those in need, like families and children.” I told him that we support a different candidate—anyone but Trump.
He absorbed this information quietly, saying he had no more questions. I was relieved, as I wanted to share more about Trump’s negative actions and shady business deals, but I knew that might be too much for him. How much is too much? That’s a delicate balance.
I strongly feel in being honest with kids about politics. They should understand the political landscape and why we hold certain views. However, I also recognize some details are better left unsaid for now. For instance, I’m not going to explain the inappropriate comments Trump made during debates or the mockery he faced regarding his appearance.
It frustrates me that I even have to bring up such topics with my kids. If the Republicans had chosen a different candidate, I could have explained their ideas in a way a 6-year-old could grasp. Unfortunately, that’s not the case this time.
This situation represents a lost opportunity—not just for a decent candidate but for rational political dialogue with our children. As I navigate this complex topic, I also want to ensure my kids are prepared for the future. If you’re interested in learning more about the political process or parenting during these times, you can check out this excellent resource for some clarity.
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In summary, discussing politics with children can be challenging, especially when the landscape is complicated. It’s crucial to balance honesty with age-appropriateness while ensuring they understand our values.
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