How to talk to your kids about politics

My advice for parents: don't shy away from these sometimes uncomfortable conversations or hard questions around politics.

Part of being a mom is worrying about your kids. And these days, Donald Trump fuels so much of our concern.

For my kids, politics have been a big part of their lives since they were little—my youngest, Betsy, was just 6 when I was first elected!

Because my kids were young and because I’m a single mom, I had to involve my kids heavily in that first campaign. There simply wasn’t enough childcare or a way to be the engaged parent that I wanted to be without bringing them into some parts of campaign life. That started with talking with them about why I was running, including giving them a chance to share their early political opinions with me (“Donald Trump should have to go to his room,” being my personal favorite). My kids became expert door knockers, enjoyed hanging out at the campaign office, and one even stole an opponents’ yard signs, which resulted in a lesson about making things right. In my memoir Politics is Messier than my Minivan, I share this hilarious story and more campaign kid moments.

Every time I’ve run for a new office, their voices have been an important part of my decision. And when all three kids decided it was a good idea for me to run for governor, even as they were so happy that my weekly commute to Washington, D.C., was over, I took that as sure of a sign as any that I should do this. Their enthusiasm wasn’t personal; they would rather have me be on time to pick them up! But they are worried about the future—for our planet, for America, for California, and for their own lives.

It’s not just my kids who think about and hear about and live with politics. I’ve had many parents recently ask me how to navigate these conversations. I hear stories of kids who are sad because they know that Donald Trump will not protect endangered species or fight climate change. They’re worried their classmates or family members could be sent to a country they’ve never been to. Kids can see the anxiety of their parents about cuts to programs that help them like free lunches and Medicaid.

For teens like mine, I hear a lot of concern about what Trump means for abortion rights and LGBTQ+ rights. On Election Night 2024, my daughter cried, in fear and frustration, saying, “what if someday I need an abortion.” As a mom, I tried to comfort her and tell her that her healthcare was protected because we live in California, but as a policy maker, I know that’s not necessarily true.

It goes without saying that kids shouldn’t have to worry about these things! But because they do, I give young people the same advice I give adults—turn that agony into action!

If your kid is worried that their friend might lose access to food at school, consider donating food to your local food pantry and even bringing them along for a volunteer shift. As all of us worry about rising costs, those of us who have extra coats, books, or toys lying around the house can consider donating to a local shelter or charity.

As political campaign season picks up next year, consider taking your kids to knock doors for a candidate of your choice. Bringing a baby or kids is actually a pro-canvassing tip—people are much more likely to answer the door! Or bring your kids to a rally! Kids love making signs and being at their loudest volume.

As a parent, I think showing our kids that we are civically engaged people who care about our country is part of how we raise the next generation of citizens. As parents we can actively give them tools to participate and use their voices. And honestly, this is more important than ever. Gen Z voters, and young men in particular, are becoming more conservative than their older peers.

My advice for parents is to not shy away from these sometimes uncomfortable conversations or hard questions around politics. It’s not “just politics” or a taboo topic that we should never bring up at the dinner table. Politics affects the life your kids will have: whether they will be able to afford to buy a home, their educational opportunities, their rights to healthcare, and even the cleanliness of the air and water they’ll have. Raising kids who care about these things is important, and helping them turn their passion into action makes for a stronger family—and country.

Katie Porter

P.S. — it’s okay if your kids disagree with you sometimes. On more than one occasion, I came home from voting in Washington, DC to vocal criticism at the dinner table. I’ve often said that my three toughest constituents were my kids.