The US is nearing the end of a scary, scary election cycle. Even worse, it’s laid the groundwork for future campaigns that focus even more on negativity and fearmongering. The election is a bogeyman that won’t go away. But if you’re a parent, then it’s your duty to show kids how to deal with bogeymen.
The things you say about the political process are likely to influence your kids’ understanding of the system. An overly jaded view sends the message that their voice doesn’t matter – and even if you think that might be true, we might as well raise kids who at least try to make a difference.
Here’s a quick guide of language you can avoid during the election cycle. Try cutting this stuff out, and you’ll be surprised at how much less scary the world becomes. Even if it doesn’t make a major difference to you, you can at least spare your kids from political bogeymen for a couple more years.