In this digital age, there are literally millions of online resources to help our kids understand the world today. But truthfully, nothing can replace good ol’ conversation.

To supplement the ideas we here at Starglow put together on how to involve your kids in the 2024 election, now we bring you conversation starters—ways to discuss current events and modern politics with your child in a way their growing mind will understand. And yes, you can do so without the use of screens.

As we’ve noted, most kids don’t need to know about all the hot button issues and where each candidate stands on them. Instead, use these age-appropriate topics as starting points:

Toddlers and preschoolers
Obviously politics is way too complicated for the 1-3 set, but you can introduce the general idea of diversity to your child, as well as explain how it’s okay for people to have different opinions and make different decisions. You may also take this opportunity to talk about the importance of responsibility and how the president of the United States is responsible for keeping all of us safe. Another option is to introduce at-home ballots, or visuals from election season, whether that’s a lawn sign, a bumper sticker, or a flag hanging from your neighbor’s yard. I remember my son’s election day activity at daycare back in 2020 involved the kids circling their preference between a dog or a cat, and then putting it into a voting box. When the ‘winner’ was announced, the little ones got excited if their pet preference was named victorious.

Elementary schoolers
Let your kid in lower elementary school take the lead in your political talk at home, especially if they seem confused or anxious about a specific aspect of the election; answer their questions as matter-of-factly as you see fit. Additionally, this age group should understand the general concept of a democracy and how voting works (you may want to wait a few years though before getting into the nitty-gritty of our three branches of government and the like), as well as why only grown-ups are permitted to cast their ballot. I’ve told my first grader that the president is essentially the boss of the whole country, much like the principal is at his school or the sensei is at his Judo class, and that everyone who lives in America gets to vote for who the boss is. I think that helped drive the point home a little?!

Middle schoolers and high schoolers Teens and tweens most likely know who our candidates are in the 2024 election, but do they know the difference between being a Republican or a Democrat? A conservative vs. liberal? Now’s the time to have that talk if you think your teen can handle it. You can also supplement what they’ve learned in social studies by telling them about the government voting process, like that presidential elections happen every four years on the first Tuesday in November, that the final candidate in each party needs to be voted in through primaries and caucuses, and the difference between the popular vote and the electoral vote.

Keep in mind though that these are just general guidelines for election conversations by age—of course, you can explain the election to your child however you want (or not at all—you do you!). But I think it’s never too soon for kids to start learning about the world around them, and to understand the importance of fighting for what they believe in. Blink and they’ll turn 18!

How are you explaining the election to your kid(s), if at all?

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