Waking up after a long night of election results, I was jolted from sleep by my 5-year-old, Max, standing by my bed. “Mom, is it true? Is the new president really him?” he asked, a frown plastered on his face, reminiscent of when I suggest he eat broccoli instead of cookies. There he was, in his dinosaur pajamas, anxiously awaiting my response to the news that our preferred candidate had lost.
Honestly, I had braced myself for this moment. My partner and I had already shut down our devices and turned off the news after the concession speech, but sleep was elusive as we lay there, staring at the ceiling, feeling the weight of disappointment. “How do I explain this to Max?” I wondered aloud.
Having worked in political roles before, we were no strangers to election highs and lows. This time, however, it felt personal. We were not just concerned about policy or job security; we were invested in a vision of a more inclusive and equitable society. Our kids shared that hope too.
As I shook off the drowsiness, I realized that navigating this conversation was crucial. Here are ten strategies I’m using to talk to my children about the election results, even when I’m feeling a bit lost myself.
- You Are Loved and Important.
First and foremost, reassure your children that they are loved and valued. Make sure they understand that no matter the election outcome, their worth is not defined by politics. - I Will Keep You Safe.
With all the fear-mongering during the campaign, it’s critical to let your kids know you will keep them safe—through both your words and actions. - We Can Get Back Up.
When faced with disappointment, show your kids how to take ownership of the situation. Acknowledge the loss and explain that while it’s tough, we can always rise again. - I’m Sad and Unsure.
It’s okay to express your feelings of sadness and uncertainty. Share your thoughts with your children, allowing them to see how you cope with disappointment. - Let’s Talk About Reality.
Issues like sexism and racism are real and mustn’t be ignored. Discuss these uncomfortable truths with your children, helping them understand the broader societal context. - Girls Can Dream Big.
Empower your daughters by highlighting their potential. Encourage them to aspire for greatness, and remind them that we are still fighting for representation. - Civic Engagement Is Ongoing.
Don’t let your kids think civic participation stops after voting. Teach them that being engaged means staying involved in the community all year round. - We Will Advocate for Justice.
Reinforce the importance of speaking up against injustice. Together, you can be a voice for human rights, reminding your kids that kindness and inclusivity matter. - Community Engagement is Key.
Inspire your children to actively participate in their community. Change starts at the grassroots level, and showing up makes a difference. - Finding Joy and Moving Forward.
Elections are unpredictable, but love remains constant. Teach your kids how to embrace joy amid uncertainty and how to forgive as you move forward together.
Ultimately, these conversations will help us all navigate the messy world of politics and personal feelings. If you want to learn more about family planning, check out this excellent resource on family-building options. And when it comes to home insemination, visit this link to find more tips and insights. For those interested in home insemination kits, Make A Mom offers great products for your journey.
In summary, talking to your kids about elections can be daunting, especially in times of disappointment. But with love, honesty, and encouragement, we can guide them through these complex emotions while instilling values of activism and community engagement.