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GQ Dads

How to explain the general election to your kids

We asked Christian Darkin, author of Act Normal And Make Everything Fair, a book explaining politics to kids, to give you a run-down

As an author, I visit a lot of schools and find that primary age children talk a lot more about politics (and think a lot more about politics) than most grownups imagine. Right now, in a school playground, you're as likely to hear Donald Trump's name mentioned as you are to hear Justin Bieber's.

And it's easy to see why. If your parenting style is anything like mine, then when your six year old asks you for the 15th time whether they can have some ice-cream, your response is probably something like, "I understand what you want me to do.Read more: A gentleman's guide to the political party manifestos

I'll decide for myself whether it's a good idea, and you constantly going on about it won't help your cause". You probably have a similar response to the phrase, "strong and stable government". Whichever side you're on, the level of debate in this election wouldn't be out of place in a year two primary playground.

So, how do you explain to children what is going on, why absolutely everyone is suddenly arguing about it and why it matters?

The first step is to try to separate what elections are from the reasons you personally support (or oppose) the candidates on offer. It's confusing if children's questions about what an election is get answered by two opposing adults passionately arguing their own take on Brexit and the GDP.

Try to speak as though both sides have a valid point, because if you make it sound as though anyone voting for the side you don't agree with is an idiot, children will quickly wonder what the point of the whole process is.

At its heart, all politics and all democracy is about fairness. It's about the complicated and often contradictory process of working out what is fair. And fairness is something even very young children understand and are passionate about.

How often have you heard a child say, "That's not fair!"? Try using examples children will be able to relate directly to, such as sharing sweets or toys. Once they grasp that, it's only a short step to understanding why, every few years, everyone gets a chance to pick who's in charge of the country.

Finally, try introducing a bit of voting into your everyday life. "Who wants pizza and who wants pasta?" is a pretty good question. And if your children can grasp that, you can even add in a little political negotiation. When they can't decide between two choices of pudding, tell them unless they find a way to agree within a time limit, they'll all leave with nothing.

After all, that's how the Brexit negotiations work.

Act Normal And Make Everything Fair: Read it yourself chapter books: Volume 6. £4.99 via Amazon

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