The current political climate is highly polarized and political conversations may be tense between you and your teenager. Some teens might feel pressure to adopt the view of their parents. Other teens might not even be aware of the current political situation. And others, yet, are speaking out. Tension can arise when your teen holds political views that no longer align with your own. As Moms, what can we do to encourage our teenagers to develop their own political views, which is an important step in nurturing independent, thoughtful adults?
Open Dialogue
Creating an environment where open dialogue is encouraged is essential. Start by discussing current events at the dinner table or during car rides. Ask your teen what they think about certain issues and listen without judgment, especially if their views do not align with your own. This helps them feel comfortable expressing their opinions and teaches them the value of respectful conversation.
- Hot tip: Avoid questions that start with ‘why’. A simple question, like ‘Why do you believe that?’, even with the right intention, can cause defensiveness. If you want to know what is behind their thinking, you can ask questions like ‘How did you come to that point of view?’
Teach Discernment
Encourage your teen to question the information they receive, whether from the news, social media, or even from you, family members, and friends. Discuss the importance of considering multiple perspectives before forming an opinion. This not only helps them avoid misinformation, but also fosters a deeper understanding of complex issues.
- Hot tip: Rather than leaving them on their own to do this, access a variety of resources and look at them together. This includes news outlets with different political leanings, books, documentaries, and podcasts. For example, the Phoenix Public Library offers a wealth of resources on political science and current events. By exploring diverse sources, your teen can form a more balanced view and make informed decisions on complex and nuanced issues.
Watch Your Language
As parents, our behavior and language set a powerful example. Model civil discourse by discussing your own political views respectfully, especially when engaging with those who hold different opinions. Demonstrating how to disagree politely and constructively shows your teen that it’s possible to have meaningful conversations without resorting to hostility. This includes what you say to the television or computer.
- Hot tip: If you do get emotional and lash out at a piece of news, take a moment to name your emotion and explain to your teen why you reacted the way that you did. Many of the topics being discussed are emotional and nuanced. We want our teens to know it is normal to have an emotional response while also being able to talk about it calmly.
Get Involved
Encouraging your teen to participate in their community can significantly shape their political views. Volunteering for local campaigns, attending city council meetings, or participating in community service projects can give them firsthand experience with the political process and the impact of voter initiatives. Phoenix offers many opportunities for teens to engage, from youth advisory boards to local nonprofit organizations.
It’s important to create a safe space for your teen to explore and refine their beliefs. Understand that their views may change over time, and that’s okay. Encourage them to talk about why their opinions are evolving and what new information or experiences have influenced them. This helps them develop a flexible and open-minded approach to politics. Additionally, voting is a fundamental part of our democracy. Talk to your teen about the importance of voting and how it impacts local and national politics. Discussing the voting process, from registration to casting a ballot, can demystify the experience and emphasize the power of their voice. You might even take them with you when you vote to show them how it’s done.
