With the attacks during the presidential debate, many parents may wonder how this negativity affects their kids.
Kansas City pediatrician Dr. Natasha Burgert with Pediatric Associates said talking to them about our democracy and the importance of voting is good for kids of any age. But, think about their age and their maturity level before letting them watch the debates or even the constant political coverage.
“I think it's super important to talk to your kids about this amazing thing we have the gift to do, but with a filter of what’s appropriate for your family. Unfortunately keeping the news on and watching the presidential debate may no longer be appropriate,” Dr. Burgert said.
But she also said some of the topics could be good lessons for older kids. If they ask about the 2005 tapes of Donald Trump talking crudely about women, she said turn it into a teaching moment.
“It does open up the topic of consent. [Ask them] what do you think is appropriate? Do any of your buddies talk like that? How does that make you feel? What if someone told this to you? What would you say? Use it as a, ‘what would you do,’ moment,” said Dr. Burgert.
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Rhiannon Ally can be reached at rhiannon.ally@kshb.com.
