Recently, my pre-teen son has been expressing a fair amount of anxiety. One morning, he wrapped his arms around me and asked, “Mom, what are we going to do?” After a heartfelt conversation, it became clear that his worries extended beyond just the political climate. He senses the division in our society, the pain people are feeling, and the anger that permeates the air. It’s a heavy weight for a child who isn’t even old enough to vote.
My daughter, a middle schooler, has a fantastic teacher who took the initiative to post a message on Facebook addressed to all parents, emphasizing the importance of making our children feel safe. These 11-year-olds spend six hours in her classroom, and as she shared, many of them are frightened. They’re concerned for classmates who identify as LGBTQ+ and even for their own safety. “Some students are confused by the intense emotions they see at home and need guidance. It’s about empathy and understanding, not just arguments.”
Our amazing kids, the leaders of tomorrow, are bombarded by influences from all sides, even if they aren’t glued to screens. They absorb our emotions like sponges and need help navigating these turbulent times. They will continue to look to trusted adults—parents, educators, coaches—for guidance and stability in their lives. Here’s how we can provide that support:
We Listen.
Listening to our children and each other is crucial. We need to keep an open mind and show them what constructive dialogue looks like. By modeling our values, we can stand firm without resorting to hostility. It’s important to admit when we’re wrong and to be willing to learn before forming strong opinions.
We Walk Together.
Thank goodness for our incredible teachers who are collaborating with students to create classroom mission statements. This initiative fosters a collective message of support and acceptance among peers. Students are actively voicing their dissatisfaction with the current administration, rejecting hate, and promoting unity. They are organizing peaceful rallies, sharing supportive messages online, and reaching out to their senators. Our children, alongside their dedicated teachers, are truly inspiring.
We Empower Their Voices.
Encouraging our children to speak out against injustice is vital. They don’t have to be passive observers; they can foster acceptance and respect in their everyday interactions.
We Teach Kindness.
Every act of kindness counts. Adults should model this behavior, as children learn from what they see. Small gestures, smiles, and acts of volunteerism can create a ripple effect that outweighs negativity.
We Highlight Their Impact.
Our kids need to know their actions matter. How they act and treat others is significant. Voting is just one way to effect change; we can inspire our kids to turn their passions into action through volunteer work or fundraising.
We Continue Their Education.
It’s crucial they understand how democracy functions. The President doesn’t simply implement whims; he serves all Americans, not just his supporters. We must instill hope that this role will guide him toward humility.
We Model Love Over Hate.
We can repeatedly say that love triumphs over hate, but we must also embody this principle. It’s time to take action, demonstrating our commitment to unity and standing against racism, misogyny, and intolerance. There’s a growing movement of solidarity, visible everywhere—from schools to local stores. Just the other day, I spotted a note in my community’s Target that read, “You matter.”
Let’s build on this momentum and never stop advocating for change. If you haven’t seen unity in your area, take the initiative—start something, say something, or build something. Our children are watching our every move.
In conclusion, we have much work ahead of us, but together, we can ensure that our children grow up in a world filled with compassion, understanding, and hope for the future. For more insights on parenting and creating a supportive environment, visit this resource.