Tenacre voting prompts discussion about how to talk to your kids about presidential election
Students came to school in their PJs yesterday for Tenacre’s Grub Day. Teachers joined the fun, too, which led to a “vote for the best teacher PJs” contest. Students in every grade were thrilled to cast their votes. As students participated in this “election,” Tenacre’s consulting psychologist, Allan Wyatt, offered some words of advice on how to talk about the “other” election taking place.
How to speak to your children about the presidential election
By Allan Wyatt, Tenacre Consulting Psychologist
To state the obvious, and to say the least, this presidential election is stirring up a lot of people. Many of my clients, not to mention friends and family, are quite significantly stressed over how the campaign is being conducted and what the future holds. And this stress extends to children.
Parents wonder, as they have with other difficult societal issues, how much to let their children share in the content of the politics on display. But we know there is only so much sheltering parents can--or should, for that matter--provide. Given that much of the talk will find its way to our kids’ awareness, better to engage with them about it at home in as helpful a way as possible.
Here are a few points to keep in mind as you do so.
First, take your cues from your child. Many of you may not hear anything, others will get direct questions, and, in between, there may be stray comments, allusions, or jokes. We cannot assume to immediately know what sense a child is making of these matters.
Therefore, second, follow up any such references or inquiries with deepening questions of your own: Why do you ask? Where did you hear about that? What do you think?
Third, be ready and willing to have clarifying family discussions, in which ideas and feelings on everyone’s part can be shared.
Fourth, while being honest, keep an eye on tempering reactive judgment that might degrade the discussion. Eliciting and making straightforward statements of one’s preferences, emotions, and moral convictions is far better than resorting to harsh labeling. Keeping this level of discourse provides important role modeling of how to handle disagreement, disappointment and upset.
Elections are a vital part of our lives and the life of the republic. Even one as contentious and visceral as this is an opportunity for our own and our children’s citizenship to mature; and our republic needs good citizens if it is to continue to thrive.
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By Allan Wyatt, Tenacre Consulting Psychologist
To state the obvious, and to say the least, this presidential election is stirring up a lot of people. Many of my clients, not to mention friends and family, are quite significantly stressed over how the campaign is being conducted and what the future holds. And this stress extends to children.
Parents wonder, as they have with other difficult societal issues, how much to let their children share in the content of the politics on display. But we know there is only so much sheltering parents can--or should, for that matter--provide. Given that much of the talk will find its way to our kids’ awareness, better to engage with them about it at home in as helpful a way as possible.
Here are a few points to keep in mind as you do so.
First, take your cues from your child. Many of you may not hear anything, others will get direct questions, and, in between, there may be stray comments, allusions, or jokes. We cannot assume to immediately know what sense a child is making of these matters.
Therefore, second, follow up any such references or inquiries with deepening questions of your own: Why do you ask? Where did you hear about that? What do you think?
Third, be ready and willing to have clarifying family discussions, in which ideas and feelings on everyone’s part can be shared.
Fourth, while being honest, keep an eye on tempering reactive judgment that might degrade the discussion. Eliciting and making straightforward statements of one’s preferences, emotions, and moral convictions is far better than resorting to harsh labeling. Keeping this level of discourse provides important role modeling of how to handle disagreement, disappointment and upset.
Elections are a vital part of our lives and the life of the republic. Even one as contentious and visceral as this is an opportunity for our own and our children’s citizenship to mature; and our republic needs good citizens if it is to continue to thrive.
Tenacre Country Day School
78 Benvenue Street, Wellesley, MA 02482
P. 781-235-2282 F. 781-237-7057
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