12 Books To Help Parents Explain The Trump Presidency To Their Kids

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Young people, especially those in the grade-school to pre-teen years possess tremendous intellect and a burning desire to talk about current political and social issues like: voting, war, gas prices, health care, the environment, immigration, education, and government with their parents. In fact, a recent study suggested that many kids are not only "very interested" in talking specifically about President Trump but also "extremely anxious and concerned" about how his administration's policies might have an impact on their lives and the direction of our country over the next four (maybe eight) years. They're not alone, adults–including many who voted for him, feel those same fears and uncertainties too. Therefore, it's not surprising that many parents simply feel uncomfortable or unprepared to engage in dialogues with others, let alone their own children, on such matters. Regardless, if you’re struggling to find an avenue to initiate the conversation, keep in mind your discussion should always be positive and assume the other person is coming from a good place. Parents in particular, should also encourage their kids to be respectful of other people's opinions, yet be skeptical and objective–developing their own critical thinking skills while at the same time empowering and encouraging their young ones to get involved on issues they are passionate about. Reading books with your kids can help, but just remember, powerful messages oftentimes reside in the simplest of places. Today, I offer 12 children’s books, to help parents explain the Trump presidency to their kids.

(1)

“Just because it’s right for me Doesn't mean it’s wrong you see But when it’s your turn to have a go I get quite vexed don't you know Calling you a phony and all sorts of names Which makes me look rather silly And in the end, really, really lame”

(2)

A fable about critical thinking.

(3)

Polly Gonn is afraid of the dark. Therefore it’s not unusual that when the lights go down, her anxiety surges. She imagines all sorts of scary things like ghosts, zombies, liberals, or monsters waiting to jump out of the shadows and even boogeymen hiding under her bed. Polly soon learns how to overcome her irrational fears, but in doing so, she discovers that the real darkness exists inside of her.

(4)

“And here’s my secret” said the sly Fox, “What is essential is invisible to the eyes. You shouldn't always go by what comes out of his mouth, rather look at what’s in his heart.”

(5)

A wordless picture book about gloating siblings who revel in tormenting Hillary-loving snowflakes all over their town after the election. You win some and sometimes you lose...really, really, badly. Sure to delight.

(6)

Science, schmience. Utterly infallible, clearly verifiable, factual data and information? That’s bunk kids. Bunk! This book gives young kids a fun and exciting opportunity to conduct their own "alternative" truth experiments at home. When some uppity know-it-all starts trying to mess with your megula-umbilica, remember what Francis Bacon said, or was it Jerry Bruckheimer…"It’s not a lie, if YOU believe it!”

(7)

A collection of short stories about friendship, involving two life-long cronies. They enjoy celebrating birthdays, going swimming, baking cookies, flying kites, and from time-to-time, either terrorizing people at political rallies or harassing and trolling fair-minded, democracy-loving, uniquely diverse mammals on the internet from the comfort of their miry home.

(8)

No urban legends here. Just mostly true tales.

(9)

Is it an allegory about the precariousness of power, the divisiveness nature of politics, or a story about a clumsy, thin-skinned bad egg with a fragile ego? However you interpret it, history shows that building emotional and physical barriers between people and places is messy, and oftentimes the damage done is irreparable.

(10)