I’m pulling out of a parking space at a busy fast-food joint when a man nearly collides with my car and honks aggressively. I let him pass, and as I pull out, it hits me. “Of course, he’s one of those supporters,” I mutter under my breath.
“What’s a supporter?” my 6-year-old asks, looking curious.
Oh no, here we go. I explain that it means someone who backs a certain candidate for president. He’s heard about presidents, so naturally, he asks who this candidate is. I believe in being honest with kids, so I give him a bit more than just the party affiliation.
I tell him that this candidate is a wealthy man who seems to have a knack for making divisive comments about different groups of people. He’s known to say hurtful things about women and people of color. In fact, he has expressed such strong dislike for certain groups that he wants to build a wall to keep them out of the country. He once made a statement suggesting violence against his opponent, which is completely unacceptable. I point out the ridiculousness of his hairstyle, describing it as something akin to a scruffy animal stuck to his head. In my view, this candidate embodies negativity and dishonesty.
I also explain that some of his supporters can be even more extreme, attending rallies where they shout ugly, racist remarks. They often call for harsh actions against his opponent, advocating for her imprisonment or worse. It’s alarming to think some people even wear shirts promoting violence against her. They express a desire to reclaim the country from those of us who believe in helping the less fortunate, like children and families in need. Their anger stems from feeling powerless.
I share that we support a different candidate—anyone but this one. He nods, seemingly satisfied with my explanation, but I wish he had more questions. There’s so much I could delve into, like the candidate’s questionable business practices or his history of shady deals, but I hold back. How much is too much information? That’s a tough balance.
I feel it’s important for children to have an understanding of politics and to know where we stand as a family. We can provide them with an overview of opposing viewpoints, but we aren’t required to remain neutral. As they mature, they can explore these issues further and form their own opinions.
Yet, I realize that not all discussions are appropriate for young ears. I certainly won’t mention any of the more scandalous or immature comments made during debates. While I might poke fun at his hair, I aim to keep our conversations constructive.
It’s frustrating to even have to bring up such absurdity to my kids. If another candidate had been nominated, I could have conveyed their ideas in a way that makes sense to a child. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case here.
We’ve missed a chance not only for a reasonable political candidate but also for fostering healthy political discussions with our children—because there are some things that simply can’t be shared. And much like the candidate’s campaign, that’s a disappointing reality.
For more insights on parenting during trying times, check out this post. If you’re interested in fertility resources, this site is a great option. Additionally, here is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, while discussing politics with kids can be challenging, it’s essential to strike a balance between honesty and age-appropriateness. We can guide them to understand the complexities of the world while protecting them from the more outrageous aspects of political discourse.