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Kids are often more aware of elections than we realize. Many hear conversations at school, see signs in their neighborhoods, or notice changes in the news. If your child has questions — or seems a little uneasy about what they’re hearing — you’re not alone.
Talking about elections doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. With simple, age-appropriate explanations, you can help kids understand how voting works, what democracy means, and why civic participation matters — without turning it into a debate.
Below are practical ways to guide these conversations by age.
Ages 4–5: Keep It Simple and Concrete
Young children are curious, but they think best in very concrete terms. Focus on the idea of choosing, rather than details.
How to explain voting
- “Voting means choosing leaders to help make decisions for our country.”
Use stories
- Bad Kitty for President
- The Kid Who Ran for President
These playful books introduce elections through familiar characters and humor.
Make it hands-on
- Hold a family vote for dinner, a movie night, or a weekend activity.
- Let them help count the votes to show how choices are made.
Kid-friendly resources
- PBS Kids’ “Let’s Vote!” offers simple explanations and printable activities designed for young learners.
- Picture Books: Try “Bad Kitty for President” or “The Kid Who Ran for President” to introduce the concept of elections through storytelling.
- Sing a Song: Teach them the President’s Song to help familiarize them with past U.S. presidents in a fun and engaging way.
Ages 6–7: Build Understanding Through Examples
Early elementary kids can handle more explanation, especially when ideas are tied to real-world examples.
Talk about persuasion
- Watch a political ad together and ask:
“What do you think this ad wants people to feel?”
Explore symbols
- Share the basic idea behind common political symbols (like animals or colors) as a way to talk about representation — without focusing on sides.
Use balanced news for kids
- Scholastic Kids Press
- The Week Junior
Both explain current events in clear, neutral language.
Make it interactive
- Count yard signs while driving.
- Create a “President for a Day” list of rules at home.
- Play simple election-themed games or bingo.
Mind the tone
- Try to avoid heated political conversations around this age. Kids often absorb tension even when they don’t understand the words.
Ages 10 and Up: Encourage Critical Thinking
Older kids and tweens are ready for deeper conversations and more nuance.
Use kid-friendly news
- Time for Kids explains topics like debates, campaigns, and how elections work.
Break down media
- Look at ads together and discuss how music, images, and language influence emotions.
- Ask: “What do you think they want viewers to believe?”
Explore political cartoons
- Talk about symbolism, exaggeration, and satire.
- Help them identify opinion versus fact.
Let them participate
- Watch parts of debates together.
- Encourage them to research issues that matter to them.
- With guidance, they can volunteer or help with community causes.
Model the process
- Bring them with you when you vote (if allowed) so they can see how it works firsthand.
Why These Conversations Matter
Talking about elections helps kids:
- Build critical-thinking skills
- Understand how decisions are made
- Learn how to disagree respectfully
- Feel less anxious about what they hear in the news
Encouraging curiosity now helps kids grow into thoughtful, informed adults.
Related Parenting Resources
These topics pair well with election-season conversations:
- How to Teach Kids Digital Citizenship
- How to Talk to Kids About Disabilities
- How to Teach Good Sportsmanship
Explaining democracy works best alongside the these core parenting tips and strategies that help children understand complex topics.
Final Thoughts
Whether your child is learning the basics or asking big questions, election season can be a meaningful opportunity to talk about democracy, respect, and how communities make decisions together.
Keep conversations open, honest, and age-appropriate – and let your child’s questions lead the way.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
