How to handle this

So we live in a very pro Trump neighborhood I am one of the few that are not.

Recently DS, who is 9, has been talking about how he likes Trump and how he is a good President, better than Obama, etc.

I know he is getting this from his classmates and friends who all have parents that voted and support Trump.

My stance on this is that children at this age only know what their parents tell them about the candidates or what they learn in school. So everything DS is hearing is just clatter from his friends parents.

I told DS that he is too young to know whether he likes Trump or not because he does not understand the entire picture. I try to give him a few examples as to why he isn't as great as everyone around him makes him out to be. He gets it at that moment, but then retorts back once he is around someone who mentions Trump.

I think what gets to me more is how so many of these parents fill their kids heads up with so much pro Trump nonsense, that when I mention in front of them that I am not a Trump supporter, the kids say 'what? why? how come?' as if they even have a clue as to what this all means.

Is there a better way of how to explain to DS that children at this age don't understand everything. Or a better way on how to explain politics? I tell him as he gets older he will be able to make sense of everything and then can form his own opinions on who he wants to support, but for now he needs to not 'support' anyone.

Re: How to handle this

The only thing I can think of is instead of telling him why you think he isn't a good president. Is ask him why he thinks he is a good president. And better than Obama.
And he can't just say because my friends so say

See how the conversation goes and go from there.

ETS: If that doesn't work, tell him no politics talk till he's at least 17 and close to voting age

Message edited 10/22/2019 10:36:40 AM.

Re: How to handle this

I would not dismiss his feelings. In fact, 9 is a fantastic age to start understanding the larger world around you.

I would ask him critical thinking questions where you ask him to put himself into the shoes of another person. Ask him what he would want. Ask him how he feels about lying. Ask him how he feels about laws and what makes a good law. When should you follow a law, what makes a bad law, and should you follow a bad law? He is at a good age to start to appreciate nuances, and the difference between political parties. I would also explain peer pressure and following the crowd. Then I would ask about why his friends think the way they do and where they got those beliefs.

How to handle this

I agree with the above posters - ask him questions about his thought process, and what he thinks are important values. Give him the opportunity to think about what he is saying and why he supports what he is saying

Re: How to handle this

Definitely ask him why he feels that way. Now is a good time to start doing current events for kids. Maybe find an article and ask him to summarize it and tell you what he would do in that position.

Re: How to handle this

Re: How to handle this

How to handle this

Thanks for the responses! I will for sure be trying these out the next time he boasts his 'support..lolol