How should middle schoolers handle their political differences?

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It's pretty common for 13-year-olds to have little interest in politics, but yours might already be paying attention. Kids at this age are often just starting to notice how current events affect their lives, and they’ll likely model their reactions based on how they see you respond. That’s why it's essential to set a calm, steady example when political issues come up.

It’s normal to feel emotions like anger, fear, or frustration in response to the world around us, but demonstrating resilience and a balanced perspective can help your child learn to handle these feelings constructively. The way you react can teach them how to stay grounded, even when topics get tense or polarizing.

If your child wants to talk about politics with friends or at school, here are a few pieces of advice to help them approach these conversations thoughtfully and respectfully:

Express Your Feelings, Not Judgments: Share your feelings and why certain issues or candidates matter to you, without making sweeping statements about the other side. For example, “I’m disappointed because I care deeply about [issue], and I’m concerned about how it will be impacted.”

Listen to Understand: Show interest in their perspective, even if you disagree. This helps to create a respectful environment where you both feel heard, and they may be more open to understanding your side too.

Find Common Ground: If possible, identify shared values or goals, even if you have different ideas about how to achieve them. For instance, “We both want a safe, prosperous future, but we might see different paths to get there.”

Acknowledge Complexities: Remind them (and yourself) that people vote for various reasons, and disappointment isn’t solely about one person or policy. Understanding this can help bridge divides.

Be Patient and Set Boundaries: If the conversation becomes too heated or unproductive, it’s okay to take a break or agree to disagree. Sometimes, the best conversations happen after both sides have had time to reflect.

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