Bourbonnais, Ill. – With the imminent election, many parents are asking how they can talk to their kids about the current political climate in America, the election, and how they can answer questions from their kids about if their voice really matters.
“Youth understand and hear more than you may realize,” says Brittney Muschetto, 4-H youth development educator with the University of Illinois Extension, “A lot of youth have been studying and learning about the upcoming election in school, as well as hearing things in the media and through friends. Youth may come home and have questions or concerns about topics they're learning about, and sometimes having those discussions can be difficult.”
Connecting with others and encouraging civic learning and engagement is something that 4-H is passionate about. According to Muschetto, conversations, especially with older youth, are very important. She shares some tips: “be open minded and remain respectful of their view points. Remember they are living in a very different world than the one you grew up in. Encourage youth to do their own research and educate themselves on topics, not just trust what they hear from others.”
To help parents and guardians, University of Illinois Extension provides the following suggestions and helpful resources for families:
- Talk to your kids about the election – do they have any concerns or are they worried? Do they want to share their feelings? Do they understand how an election works? Discuss as a family.
- Explore the University of Illinois Extension’s Terrific Teachable Moments app which gives parents resources to help with social and emotional learning. Help your children talk through their feelings.
- Explore resources on Civic Engagement from Illinois 4-H for a brief overview of Civic Engagement and what it means to be involved in the community.
- Learn more about how 4-H is empowering leaders through authentic leadership opportunities which elevate youth voice.
- Election seasons are stressful – explore resources for helping children cope with stress and helping teens cope with stress.
- Stressful seasons of life are hard on everyone – while you are taking care of your children, ensure that your relationship is just as strong! The Strong Couples Project led by researchers and educators is designed to provide you with free, proven online help for your relationship.
While these are just a few resources to assist parents, University of Illinois Extension says the important key is to just have a discussion.
“Overall, today's youth are tomorrow's leaders, we want them to be prepared to lead us, and take on whatever challenges our country will be facing. It’s also important to equip parents with the tools and skills they need to have these difficult conversations and help foster a safe space to express their stresses and concerns” says Muchetto.
More information about the local 4-H program can be found at 4h.extension.illinois.edu/.
WRITER: Anthony Warmack, Communications & Marketing Coordinator
SOURCE: Brittney Muschetto, 4-H Youth Development Educator
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.
About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.