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Kids are more aware of elections than we often realize. In fact, research from KidsHealth.org shows that more than 75% of children believe election outcomes affect their lives. If your child has questions, worries, or simply wants to understand what’s going on, you’re not alone.
Talking about elections doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few simple, age-appropriate explanations, you can help your child understand the voting process, democracy, and the importance of participating in our civic life.
Below are practical tips to guide these conversations throughout the election season.
Ages 4–5: Keep It Simple and Concrete
Young children are curious, but they need basic concepts:
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Explain voting in simple terms: “Voting means choosing leaders to help make decisions for our country.”
-
Use books and stories:
Bad Kitty for President or The Kid Who Ran for President are playful ways to introduce the idea. -
Make it hands-on:
Hold a family “vote” for dinner or weekend activities. -
Try PBS Kids’ “Let’s Vote!”
Great printables and kid-friendly explanations.
Ages 4-5: Introducing Basic Concepts
Young children are ready to learn simple facts about voting and government. Keep it fun and lighthearted:
- 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: Building Understanding Through Examples
Kids in early elementary school can understand a bit more:
-
Decode political ads together:
Talk about what the ad is trying to get someone to feel or think. -
Explore symbols:
Share the history of the donkey and elephant to help them visualize political parties. -
Use balanced news sources:
Scholastic Kids Press and The Week Junior offer easy-to-understand coverage. -
Make it interactive:
Play election bingo, count yard signs, or create “President for a Day” rules at home. -
Avoid heated political talk around them:
Kids absorb tone and tension even if they don’t understand the content.
Explaining democracy works best alongside the these core parenting tips and strategies that help children understand complex topics.
Save This For Later
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Kids are more aware of elections than we often realize. In fact, research from KidsHealth.org shows that more than 75% of children believe election outcomes affect their lives. If your child has questions, worries, or simply wants to understand what’s going on, you’re not alone.
Talking about elections doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few simple, age-appropriate explanations, you can help your child understand the voting process, democracy, and the importance of participating in our civic life.
Below are practical tips to guide these conversations throughout the election season.
Ages 4–5: Keep It Simple and Concrete
Young children are curious, but they need basic concepts:
-
Explain voting in simple terms: “Voting means choosing leaders to help make decisions for our country.”
-
Use books and stories:
Bad Kitty for President or The Kid Who Ran for President are playful ways to introduce the idea. -
Make it hands-on:
Hold a family “vote” for dinner or weekend activities. -
Try PBS Kids’ “Let’s Vote!”
Great printables and kid-friendly explanations.
Ages 6–7: Building Understanding Through Examples
Kids in early elementary school can understand a bit more:
-
Decode political ads together:
Talk about what the ad is trying to get someone to feel or think. -
Explore symbols:
Share the history of the donkey and elephant to help them visualize political parties. -
Use balanced news sources:
Scholastic Kids Press and The Week Junior offer easy-to-understand coverage. -
Make it interactive:
Play election bingo, count yard signs, or create “President for a Day” rules at home. -
Avoid heated political talk around them:
Kids absorb tone and tension even if they don’t understand the content.
Explaining democracy works best alongside the these core parenting tips and strategies that help children understand complex topics.
Ages 10 and Up: Encouraging Critical Thinking
Older kids are ready for deeper discussions:
-
Use kid-friendly news sources:
Time for Kids explains the electoral college, conventions, and how campaigns work. -
Break down political ads:
Discuss how images, music, and words influence emotions. -
Explore political cartoons:
Talk about symbolism, satire, and how cartoons express opinions. -
Let them participate:
They can watch debates, research issues, or volunteer with causes (with your guidance). -
Lead by example:
Bring them with you when you vote to show the process in action.
Why These Conversations Matter
Talking about elections helps kids:
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Build critical-thinking skills
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Understand how decisions are made
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Learn to disagree respectfully
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Feel less anxious by understanding what they’re hearing
Encouraging curiosity now helps them grow into thoughtful, engaged young adults.
Related Parenting Resources
These posts pair well with conversations about elections:
Final Thoughts
Whether your child is learning the basics or diving into bigger questions, election season is a great opportunity to teach them about democracy, respect, and how our communities make decisions.
Keep conversations open, honest, and age-appropriate—and let their questions guide you.
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.
