AIBU - to hesitate talk about politics with my 13 years old

28 replies

Rekka · 01/12/2025 16:55

We don't watch news at home, like the old days when our generation grew up. DH and I got news update on our devices. So there's the absence of neutral exposure froma 3rd party.

We all know the world has descended into more or less a chaos (if not a shit show across the globe). Sentiments are high and toxic figures are everywhere. The world looks gloomy for the coming years.

We haven't talked about politics to DC13 at all. He doesn't have the inclined curiosity to ask.

I'm very much on the fence if we shall start making him aware. But I fear our cynicism and pessimistic views will do no good. What we believe may well be biased and not holistic. But he's at that age he should know something about the real world out there. His friends would chat about Trump and he usually just remains silent as he doesn't have any opinions, because he's not made aware...

What do you guys think and suggest?

OP posts:

skybluestars · 01/12/2025 21:03

My 14yo has always been quite interested in current affairs (and history). His school often sticks newsround on to ensure the kids know something that is going on. We often chat about things over the dinner table.

We watch The Daily Show and Have I got news for you with him because he finds them hilarious but also as it usually raises questions and discussions about different things that have happened over the week in U.K. and American politics.

hufngids · 01/12/2025 23:29

My parents discouraged discussing politics when I was growing up. Ironically, my politics turned out to be diametrically opposed to theirs which was always a source of irritation to them. It was a different time with no social media and just the nightly news which they watched without me. I have big gaps in my knowledge because of it.

soundsys · 02/12/2025 00:22

ginasevern · 01/12/2025 17:38

What a strange way of looking at things, and very strange parenting too. Don't you and your DH ever discuss anything other than the weather or the shopping list? At 13 your son should be involved in topical discussions at home. Children gather general knowledge and an interest in current affairs through osmosis, which usually means listening to and joining in with their parents' conversations. This gives them a basis from which to progress and forumulate their own opinions as they get older. A home devoid of intellectual stimulation will leave your son without the tools for critical thinking. I feel rather sorry for him.

Agree with this to be honest! I mean do you not talk about stuff going on around you? I don’t think “let’s have a talk about politics now” with my kids but lots of things come up as we’re just going about our lives! Or do you/they never do anything for charity? That’s where a lot of our conversations come from (eg kid asking why we support a particular charity/why a charity exists).

(I live in a bit of the country where politics is sort of… built in to day to day life more, maybe!)

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