Talking to Kids about Politics
Politics can feel like a tough topic to tackle with your kids—but they’re already listening, watching, and forming opinions. As parents, we have the opportunity to guide them with truth, wisdom, and a biblical foundation.
Talking to your children about politics can feel overwhelming. While it may be easier to avoid the topic all together, children are becoming more and more aware of political issues from friends, teachers, social media, and other sources. Although it is healthy to wonder how much our kids should know about politics, the reality is, our children are watching, listening, and absorbing politically infused information. The question then must shift from whether or not parents should talk to their children about politics and, instead, should be how parents can effectively talk to their children about politics in a way that helps them filter this information through the lens of Scripture.
With Scripture as a guide, parents can help children understand government, authority, and citizenship from a biblical perspective. As parents prayerfully consider how to approach these particular conversations with their children, consider the following Scriptural truths.
ALL AUTHORITY COMES FROM GOD BUT NO ONE IS PERFECT
Romans 13:1 reminds us that all authority comes from God. It says, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
This means that government leaders, whether we agree with them or not, are put in their positions by God. But that doesn’t mean that they are perfect – we all fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). Even leaders in the Bible, such as King Saul, made choices that grieved God’s heart. Yet the fact remains, they were put in authority by God’s perfect plan.
When teaching kids this truth, it helps them avoid two extremes: idolizing or completely despising a leader. All leaders deserve respect for their positions, but all leaders have shortcomings. When presenting this balanced view to children, it helps keep them grounded in the reality that Christ alone is perfect and we, humanity, are all subject to our sinful human nature.
OUR EARTHLY GOVERNMENT IS TEMPORARY
Philippians 3:20a reminds us, “Our citizenship is in heaven.”
God established government on earth from the earliest days, appointing judges and kings to rule over the earth. But kingdoms and empires rise and fall – it is God’s kingdom alone that will last forever.
Our earthly governments provide order and protection, but it is not something that will last for eternity. Our governments will do things well and will also make mistakes. Yet our ultimate hope is in God and the eternity we will spend with Him in heaven.
HONORING EARTHLY GOVERNMENTS AND HONORING GOD’S KINGDOM
When Jesus was asked whether people should follow God’s law or the law of the earthly leaders, He answered, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s,” (Matthew 22:21).
In other words, Christians have a responsibility to obey earthly authority and laws, such as paying taxes, following rules, and respecting decisions (as long as they do not violate God’s word). But we must also remember that our ultimate loyalty is to God.
When parents teach this perspective to children, they can help them begin to understand that being a good citizen doesn’t mean they have to compromise their faith. It means living obediently and responsibly within our earthly laws while also remembering that we have God’s laws to follow as well.
RESPECTFUL DISAGREEMENTS
Acts 5:29 says, “We must obey God rather than human beings!”
There may be times that laws come about that are in direct violation of God’s word. When this happens, parents have a great opportunity to teach children that Scripture is a Christian’s highest authority. When leaders make decisions that conflict with Scripture, Christians should follow God’s word first.
But even when we disagree, parents must teach children to disagree respectfully, in a way that continues to honor God. The best way to do this is by modeling what a godly example of disagreement looks like – children can learn how to treat others with dignity and respect, even when they disagree, by watching how their parents respond to conflict.
PRAY FOR THOSE IN AUTHORITY OVER YOU
One of the simplest yet most powerful lessons a parent can teach their child is to pray for their leaders. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 says, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions and prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all goodness and holiness.”
Praying for those in authority over us, whether we voted for them or not, sets our hearts in a posture that reminds us that God is in control. As kids ask questions or enter into discussions about current events, take time to pray together as a family for the situation and for those in authority.
PRACTICAL TIPS
When talking to children about politics, remember to keep the conversation age appropriate, saving deeper engagement for children in their pre-teen or teenage years, model good citizenship by engaging in voting, serving the community, and studying history, and be proactive in talking to kids – when scenarios arise, make sure that children are hearing the information from their parents first, from a biblical perspective instead of through a secular lens.
Politics doesn’t have to be a topic of fear or division. By keeping conversations rooted in Scripture, children will understand that all authority comes from God, that our ultimate hope is in Christ, and that an appropriate first response is always prayer.
