Talking with kids about politics: Parenting in polarized times

Partisan polarization has long been a fact of political life in the United States. And it seems like politics is everywhere these days — at the dinner table, in the classroom and on every screen.

That raises some big questions for parents. How do we talk to our kids about what’s going on without passing along fear or cynicism? How do we raise thoughtful, respectful people amid divisive rhetoric?

MPR News guest host Catharine Richert and her guests explore how parents can talk with their kids about politics without anger, divisive rhetoric and polarization. 

Guests:  

• Lindsay Cormack is an associate professor of political science at the Stevens Institute of Technology. She is also the author of, “How to Raise a Citizen (And Why it’s Up to You to Do It)  

• Bill Doherty is a professor emeritus in the Department of Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota. He is also co-founder of Braver Angels, a nonprofit that seeks to restore trust, respect and goodwill in American politics.

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Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.