How political stress affects children’s mental health

How political stress affects children’s mental health

News by The Children’s Healing Institute

As America internalizes the results of an intense election cycle, mental health experts are sounding the alarm on an often-overlooked issue: the impact of election stress on children and family relationships. In today’s polarized climate, the constant stream of political news and social media content can escalate tensions at home, leaving children vulnerable to heightened anxiety and stress.

Children, sensitive to their surroundings, act as emotional “barometers” in the family. When adults engage in heated political debates or express anxiety over election outcomes, children often internalize these emotions. These emotions can lead to a range of negative effects on their mental health and behavior, including increased anxiety, sleep disturbances, and even aggressive behavior at school. In severe cases, it can strain family relationships and leave children with a sense of insecurity about the future.

Tips for Talking to Kids About the Election:

• Keep it Age-Appropriate: Tailor explanations to the child’s age and understanding. Young children need reassurance and simplicity, while older kids may handle more nuanced discussions.



• Focus on Values, Not Divides: Emphasize values like kindness, empathy, and respect rather than political stances, teaching kids the importance of respectful disagreement.

• Reassure Their Safety: Remind children that despite any disagreements, they are safe and loved, helping to reduce their stress.

• Supporting Children’s Emotional Health: Maintain routines, monitor media exposure, and encourage open dialogue about emotions.

Tips for de-escalating situations among family and friends:



• Practice Active Listening: Encourage family members to listen without interrupting, creating a space where everyone feels heard.
• Agree to Disagree Respectfully: Reinforce that it’s okay to have different opinions without making it personal, modeling that relationships matter more than winning arguments.
• Take a Timeout When Needed: Stepping away when things get heated prevents arguments from escalating, showing children the value of pausing to stay calm.
• Creating Safe Spaces for Discussion: Limit political talk, focus on shared values, and create “politics-free” family time. Decide on certain places in the home, like the dining room or family living space, where political conversations are off-limits


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