How to Talk to Kids About Fascism (In a Way That Makes Sense to Them)

The other day, my daughter asked me what a “fashionist” was. Not wanting to assume, I gently asked her where she heard the word and what she meant. She told me she’d seen it on a bumper sticker on a Tesla that said, "This Tesla does not endorse fashionista."

After she shared what she read, I had a quick moment of realization. I let her know the word was actually “fascist.” Then came that feeling so many parents know well—the pause. I didn’t quite know how to explain it in a way that made sense for her age. So I told her the truth:

“I need a minute to think about how to explain that and I’ll get back to you.”

It is so important in these moments to stay open and honest with our kids. They’re taking in the world around them, whether it’s a bumper sticker or something they overhear at school. When our kids come to us with big questions, how we react becomes a defining moment. It's okay to say, "I don’t know, let me find the best way to explain it." That response builds trust. It shows them we’re a safe place to bring their curiosity—and that we take their questions seriously.

💬 So, What Is Fascism?

Here’s a kid-friendly way to explain:

"Fascism is when one person—or a small group—takes all the power and doesn’t listen to anyone else. They make rules that only help themselves or people just like them. They don’t let others share ideas or help make decisions, and they might even punish people who speak up."

It’s kind of like having a bossy team captain who says, “Only my ideas matter, and if you disagree, you’re out.”

🧠 Why Different Voices Matter

Let your child know:

“When people from different backgrounds, places, and experiences get to help make decisions, the world becomes fairer and better for everyone. Good leaders listen to many ideas, not just their own.”

A great way to explain this is with a relatable example:

“Imagine you’re planning a class party and only one kid decides everything—what snacks, music, and games to play. That might be fun for them, but probably not for everyone else. But if everyone gets to share ideas, the party will be way more fun for the whole class!”

💡 A Real-Life Scenario for Kids

Try asking:

“What if I never asked what you needed? What if I always chose what we ate, what games we played, and never listened when you had a different idea? How would that feel?”

Give them time to answer. Then say:

“That’s what it can feel like to live under a fascist leader—someone who only does what they want and doesn’t care about anyone else’s needs or ideas. That’s why it’s so important to include many voices when making big decisions.”

Right now, some leaders are making decisions that serve themselves or a select few—rather than listening to and representing everyone. When people speak out, even with something as simple as a sticker, it’s a way of standing up for fairness, justice, and what real leadership should look like.

❓Conversation Starters to Use:

Why do you think it’s important to listen to different opinions?
Can you think of a time when someone made a choice that wasn’t fair?
How does it feel when someone doesn’t listen to your ideas?
What makes a leader fair or unfair?
Why do we need people from all backgrounds helping make rules and laws?

✅ Tips for Grown-Ups:

Keep it simple: Use relatable language and real-life examples.
Focus on fairness: Kids understand what it feels like to be left out.
Encourage conversation: These are ongoing talks, not one-time lessons.
Model what you teach: Let them see you practicing inclusion and listening to others.

When our kids ask big questions, it’s not just about giving the right answer—it’s about opening the door to a lifelong habit of seeking truth, asking questions, and standing up for what’s fair. And it all starts with a conversation.

💛 Looking for tools to help with big questions? Check out the Bright Littles Conversation Club for daily prompts that inspire connection, curiosity, and kindness.