A Parent’s Guide
Voting is a vital part of our democracy, and with little ones, it can feel like quite the challenge! Here’s a guide to make your trip to the polls smoother, fun, and meaningful for both you and your kids.
Step 1: Prepare a “Poll-Ready” Activity Bag
Creating a dedicated bag of items to keep your kids entertained can make the wait at the polls easier. Consider including:
- Coloring Books and Crayons: Look for patriotic or voting-themed coloring pages. You could even print some with flags, stars, or civic themes.
- Stickers and Mini Notebooks: Give them sheets of stickers and small notebooks to create their own sticker scenes or practice “voting” for their favorite animals or colors.
- Quiet Fidget Toys: Small fidget toys like stress balls, pop-its, or even stacking rings are great for helping children focus and stay calm.
- Portable Snack Packs: Pack easy snacks like fruit snacks, crackers, or apple slices to keep little hands and mouths busy without making a mess.
For older children (6–9 years), you can add:
- Word Puzzles or Mini Crossword Books: Civic-themed puzzles are great if you can find them!
- Kid-Friendly Magazines or Small Books: These can be a perfect distraction, especially for kids who enjoy reading.
Step 2: Explain Voting in Simple Terms
For young kids, explaining what voting is and why it matters can give meaning to the whole outing. Use simple language to say things like, “Today, we’re helping make important choices for our community.” For older kids, you might add, “When people vote, they share their opinions on what they think is best for everyone.”
Here are some recommended books and shows that make these ideas easy to understand:
Books About Voting
For Ages 0-4:
- “Duck for President” by Doreen Cronin – A fun, animal-themed book that introduces the concept of elections through a humorous story of Duck deciding to run for president.
- “Baby Loves Political Science: Democracy!” by Ruth Spiro – A simple and engaging board book explaining the basics of democracy.
For Ages 5-7:
- “Grace for President” by Kelly DiPucchio – Grace learns about presidents and elections and decides to run in her own class election.
- “Vote for Our Future!” by Margaret McNamara – This book follows students who encourage adults to vote in their community, emphasizing the importance of every voice.
For Ages 8-9:
- “Around America to Win the Vote: Two Suffragists, a Kitten, and 10,000 Miles” by Mara Rockliff – Based on a true story, this book highlights the journey of two suffragists who travel to promote voting rights.
- “What’s the Big Deal About Elections” by Ruby Shamir – This book dives into why elections matter and how they work, great for curious minds in elementary school.
Shows and Videos for Kids
Watching a quick, educational show before heading out can be an easy way to help kids understand voting.
“Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” – “Daniel Gets a Shot / A Story About Voting”
Daniel and his friends learn about making choices and voting in a kid-friendly way. Available on PBS Kids.“Sesame Street” – “Let’s Vote!”
This segment introduces kids to the basics of voting with their favorite Sesame Street characters. You can find it on YouTube or streaming platforms with Sesame Street content.PBS Kids “Election Collection”
PBS Kids has a range of mini-episodes and clips dedicated to civic engagement and voting, perfect for introducing the concept to children
Step 3: Involve Your Kids in the Experience
Letting your children see you vote and explaining what you’re doing makes them feel included. For example:
- Allow Them to “Help” Check You In: If possible, let your kids hand your ID or check-in form to the poll worker.
- Talk About the Ballot: Show them (without revealing your choices) what a ballot looks like. You might say, “This paper is where I mark my choices.”
- Celebrate Your “I Voted” Sticker Together: Kids love stickers, and this one is special! Encourage them to wear it proudly alongside you.
Step 4: Follow Up at Home
Once you’re back, continue the conversation. Ask questions like:
- “What did you think about voting?”
- “Is there something you would want to vote for?”
For older children, you could create a small “election” at home where family members vote on a family movie, game night activity, or dinner options. This reinforces the importance of making decisions together as a group.
Tips for Making It Stress-Free
- Go During Off-Peak Hours: Polls are usually less crowded mid-morning or early afternoon, which can reduce wait time.
- Check Polling Regulations for Children: Most polling stations allow children, but it’s good to confirm any rules ahead of time.
- Consider Early Voting or Mail-In Options: If the thought of waiting in line is too much, you can look into early voting or mail-in ballots, depending on your state’s rules.
- You can also check out How To Conquer Stress-Free Shopping With Happy Toddlers
Bringing your kids to the polls shows them firsthand the importance of participating in our democracy. With a little preparation and some engaging activities, you can make voting a meaningful family event.
Happy Voting
Tee
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