Parents don’t need all the answers to talk politics with kids, Extension educator says

Parents don’t need to have all the answers before they talk with their children about elections, according to a University of Illinois Extension youth development educator.Young people may be too young to vote, but campaign ads, yard signs and conversations at school and at the dinner table can leave them curious and sometimes worried, said Extension youth development educator Emilia Elabed.“Many parents find conversations about politics uncomfortable because they feel like they need to have all the answers before they talk to their kids. That’s not the case,” Elabed said.Her advice: Let the child go first.“Start by asking young people what they’ve heard and how they’re feeling. Then listen and make room for questions,” she said. “Young people know more than we may realize.”Elabed said these conversations also teach young people to work through disagreements respectfully and to process information accurately. Adults can show them how, she said, by listening, helping children check whet