Election season is upon us, and with it comes anxiety, excitement, hope and defeat. As a Prime driver, what role do you play as a father when it comes to politics? Do you try to stay informed family informed or do you go with the flow when it comes to current events?

Whatever your thoughts and opinions, Good Dads is here for you! 

Allen Land, who has been driving for Prime for almost 10 years, shares some helpful insights on how to engage respectfully with other people regarding politics. 

In addition, Dr. Kevin Pybas, associate professor of political science at Missouri State University, is no stranger to politics inside and outside of the classroom. He shared insights of his own. 

We hope you glean some knowledge from these two dads, just in time for the upcoming election!

Have open discussions with your kids

Allen said his kids were around 11-12 years old when they started asking questions about current events and politics, having heard about them in school. 

Asking his kids what they heard, what they’re worried about, and what they think about particular issues would get the discussion going. 

“We talk about politics sometimes; we don’t get too much into it,” he explained. “Sometimes we’ll have a discussion and it boils down to just that: having a discussion. I’m not trying to change your mind, most of the time we’re kind of on the same page.”

Allen mentioned that some of his kids are Republicans and some of them are Democrats. A lot of people are nervous about discussing current events and politics because it’s seen as impolite. But with your kids, discussing tough topics is an important step in maturity and learning to respect the perspectives of others. 

Obtain information from a multitude of sources

“There are so many competing narratives, it’s hard to know what’s true,” Dr. Pybas said. “Take in as much information as you can, and take every piece of information you come across with a grain of salt.” 

Dr. Pybas explained that reading broadly from different sources helps you to stay informed, but he suggested being wary of sources that have persuaded themselves that the other side is a threat or morally wrong. 

Check that your sources are reputable. You can do this by checking the author’s credentials, cross referencing the source and looking at independent fact checking organizations to verify the accuracy of the news. 

When kids begin to become curious about politics, it’s important for them to remember not to believe everything they read. Getting sources from multiple outlets can help increase both your own perspective and respect for the perspectives of others. 

Remember that opinions are not facts

“Opinions aren’t written in stone,” Allen said. It’s important to remember that when discussing politics with others, not everyone is going to share your exact opinion. You are allowed to have your own opinion on something, but you have to simultaneously respect the opinions of others. 

There’s a difference between a fact and an opinion, and unfortunately, a lot of people conflate the two. Don’t let your relationships be jeopardized just because someone has a different opinion than you. 

Your political beliefs are not equal to who you are as a person

Dr. Pybas explained that politics are not the only thing that connects us as citizens. As a Christian, he believes that we’re all children of God with different talents and abilities. 

“Our political opinions are born out of different experiences,” Dr. Pybas explained. “Had I had those experiences, those might be my political views.

“We (generally) take disagreements on political matters personally,” he continued. “Don’t think in the terms that if you disagree with my political views, you reject me as a person.”

Dr. Pybas says that while working at the university, he’s surrounded by intellectual diversity. In addition, he has dear friends who hold different beliefs than his own. He and his friends are able to have a detachment from political differences and treat each other with respect, though, he admitted, it’s “more difficult to achieve outside of the university.”

Everybody has a different perspective

Allen’s children are grown, and he says that when it comes to setting a good example for your kids, whether they’re older or younger, “it’s pretty much always been the same.”

“There’s no point in arguing with people,” he said. “You can say, ‘This is how I feel about something.’ You have to appreciate others’ opinions and views.”

Allen went on to explain that often our opinions are reflections of our perspectives as we live our lives. 

“(Everyone) grew up differently, and you have to respect that. You can’t impose your perspective; they didn’t go through what you went through. See it from another person’s point of view.”

Model healthy conflict resolution

Dr. Pybas said to instill in your kids that curiosity is a good thing and to legitimize their questions. In addition, let them know that disagreements are normal. 

It’s important to remember that, “what we don’t know is far greater than what we do know,” Dr. Pybas explained. 

He said that humility is important to conflict resolution, as well as admitting when we are wrong.

“We can’t do much about what other people do; all we can control is ourselves and hope that what we do maintains a certain kind of integrity. If someone is uncivil to me, I could be uncivil back, but I want to treat people the way I want to be treated.” 

Be a good listener

Allen mentioned that before trucking, he was a manager for multiple places such as truck stops and fast food restaurants since was 18, so he’s no stranger to conflict resolution. He said it’s all about keeping your calm and maintaining your composure. 

“You have to respect the other person, see where they’re coming from and their motivation for what they’re discussing,” he said. “You have to see both sides and different points of view.”

One problem that Allen says many of us struggle with is that we talk a lot more than we listen – to the point where we’re not really listening to the discussion. 

“Sometimes people get frustrated,” he said. “They think you’re not paying attention.” 

Allen suggested you repeat what the other person is saying so you can clarify that that’s what they’re talking about. In addition, as the speaker, you can say, “this is what I’m saying, do you understand what I’m saying, and where can I clarify?

“If someone is talking to you, listen and try to understand what that person is saying,” Allen said. 

Final Words

“Politics is just one realm of life,” Dr. Pybas said. “Politics doesn’t have to dictate what kind of person you are. Whatever you believe, there are ugly, mean and hateful people who share your political opinions and views. It doesn’t make you a good person.”

Dr. Pybas said that how you treat others and those who are less fortunate and in positions of less power, how you treat people when no one is looking or when you have nothing to gain, is truly what makes you a virtuous person. 

Similarly, Allen said, “Do what you think is right as long as it doesn’t hurt anybody.”