As kids mature, their understanding of politics and government deepens. They begin to recognize that political ideas can be complex, with different people having differing viewpoints on them.

Children at this age are first being exposed to negative news events and political identities can form. Here's how you can guide them through such potentially difficult topics.

Talk about government.

According to their age, children can have different understandings of politics than adults do, so it is best to let the conversation unfold naturally rather than trying to force your views onto them. Experts advise starting the dialogue by asking open-ended questions such as "What do you think about X issue and/or want your city/state government to do about it?."

Kids entering elementary-age are usually ready to discuss political parties and candidates; they may even begin receiving more in-depth education about local, state and federal governments at school.

Help them distinguish fact from opinion by discussing how the news media covers topics and polls aren't always an indicator of truth. You could show them how various news clips on a particular subject differ across networks. Also make sure they know that just because someone holds different views doesn't make them bad people; seeing how those with differing viewpoints can still work together to produce productive change together can teach empathy.

Make the law come alive.

As children become older, you should introduce the more complex aspects of Parliament and politics to keep conversations simple and lighthearted. Over time, as their understanding matures you can introduce these topics more deeply.

Focus on relevant examples. Kids enjoy learning about things that impact them directly; for instance, potholes in the road affect their commute to school and could be resolved with the help of local government. Demonstrate that taxes provide money for this solution while decisions are made through town or city council meetings.

Show them that laws begin as documents known as bills, which are sent to small groups of representatives or senators called committees for revision. Once ready, these bills go back before either House or Senate for voting; if enough members vote in its favour it becomes law; otherwise it returns back to its respective committee for more revisions.

Just vote.

Though your children cannot vote yet, you can help them develop a political awareness by talking about politics and civic duty with them, showing them your voting and volunteering activities, and encouraging them to get involved with their community.

Explain that politics can be complicated and that people often hold diverging viewpoints regarding how things should be conducted. Show them how to read news articles, find reliable sources and become well informed before jumping to conclusions or succumbing to fear-mongering rhetoric.

Help them understand how laws shape our lives -- from 5p carrier bag charges to bans on smoking in cars with children inside -- and demonstrate how these may have been modified or challenged through legislative channels. Giving concrete examples helps make topics seem less abstract to children and can make them feel more connected to issues at hand. If their interests lie elsewhere, encourage them to write letters to local councillors or government representatives expressing them.

Make politics fun.

Now is an excellent opportunity to encourage your kids to think critically about politics, voting and our democracy. Even very young children can express opinions about issues like fairness, sharing and equality; through participation in student body elections or mock presidential votes they will also learn more about our democratic process.

Explain how laws that affect your family and community are made, discussing why certain laws such as the 5p carrier bag charge or banning smoking on school grounds exist. Books about political history - like Bad Kitty for President or Around America to Win the Vote: Two Suffragists, a Kitten and 10,000 Miles - can help children develop their own opinions and become more politically engaged.

Focus on finding news sources designed specifically for children such as HTE Kids News or Time for Kids that will present the latest updates in an age-appropriate manner. These sources offer current events in an engaging format suitable for your kids.