As parents, we often find ourselves navigating tricky conversations, and the recent election results have certainly thrown us a curveball. Many of us have tried to use this presidential race as a teaching moment to instill values in our kids—like the importance of kindness and inclusion. It’s tough to reconcile that idealistic vision with the reality of a candidate who has openly expressed xenophobic and misogynistic views.
Friends went to bed anxious, and families felt a sense of disenfranchisement. But the hardest part? Our kids are looking to us for answers. How do we tell them that a significant portion of the country seems to support a man endorsed by the KKK? Or that a man who bragged about assaulting women has garnered so much backing? How do we reassure them that everything will be alright when we’re grappling with our own doubts?
One anchor, Mark Johnson, voiced what many of us felt as we tucked our kids in that night. “It’s tough to be a parent right now,” he said. “You teach your kids not to bully, not to discriminate, and then you see this result. Parents are putting their children to bed, and they’re scared for breakfast.”
Imagine the fear among American Muslims or immigrants awaiting their green cards. Can we really empathize with those who no longer feel safe in their own homes? It was a painful night for many, leaving us to reflect on whether we were too complacent to believe this could happen. Just yesterday, I took my daughter to the polls, thinking we were part of something historic.
Mark Johnson went on to say, “The newly elected president needs to reach out and assure everyone that he will represent all people, including those he has offended.” When you talk about taking the country back, it leaves many feeling like they’ve been discarded to cater to others’ interests.
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In summary, the recent election results have left many of us feeling confused and worried, especially when it comes to how to explain it to our children. We must find the words to comfort and guide them through these uncertain times while reflecting on the values we wish to instill.