In the aftermath of the election, I’ll admit that I’ve been a bit preoccupied and not as sensitive to the needs of my students as I should be. With the constant barrage of unsettling news about civil rights, national security, and environmental issues, I lost sight of one of my top priorities: the well-being of my 10- and 11-year-old students.
In my effort to keep politics out of the classroom, I neglected to address the enormous topic looming over us—President Trump. It was a fellow teacher, Sarah, who encouraged me to ask my students about their feelings since the election. Her class had accidentally delved into that subject, revealing unexpected levels of anxiety among her students.
As she recounted their worries, I felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me: I hadn’t considered that my own election-related stress might also be affecting them.
Later that day, during a reflective discussion on our annual Martin Luther King Jr. assembly, I tentatively broached the topic. What I discovered was eye-opening.
To my surprise, every single student was more informed about the election and political issues than I had anticipated. They knew that Hillary Clinton won approximately 3 million more popular votes, and many could recount the antics of rogue Twitter accounts from NASA and the National Park Service. They were aware of “alternative facts,” the various marches, and even the complexities of Russian interference. They understood the implications of Trump’s proposed border wall and the discriminatory policies against Muslims versus Christians. Their knowledge was extensive.
While I had initially encouraged them to stay informed about the election, I found myself at a loss for words post-election. I felt unprepared to tackle the ongoing crisis of truth with my fifth-graders until I could establish a neutral framework for discussions.
Despite my silence on current events, our conversation revealed that my students were very much engaged with what was happening in the world. I asked them where they were getting their information. Some mentioned dinner table discussions, but many had picked up on things from conversations not meant for them. Others consumed news through their devices, radios, and television.
As they shared their experiences of increased stress, anger, and anxiety about the future, it became clear how dramatically the election had affected their home lives. One student simply noted, “There is just less happiness in our home.”
This conversation made me realize that ignoring politics in my classroom didn’t make the concerns disappear. I reassured my students that I would make it a priority to check in with them more regularly, and I committed to finding ways to address their fears in class discussions. I also asked what they did at home to cope. Some mentioned “playing,” while others shared their families had turned off the TV. One student even meditated with her mom, and two participated in the Women’s March with their parents.
While not every family is unhappy with the current administration, many at my school seem to be feeling the strain. The high turnout at protest marches indicates that this is a shared sentiment among parents too.
This is a new challenge for parents today. In my fifth-grade days, most of us were blissfully unaware of political intricacies. Adults handled the worrying, often in silence. Today, political discourse is louder and more divisive than ever. This requires us to rethink how we talk to children about the political climate—they are definitely listening.
Engaging them in conversation is crucial, but we also need to empower them to take action. For instance, participating in marches gave some of my students and their families a sense of hope and relief. Parents can also help channel their children’s anxieties into constructive actions—whether it’s joining a community organization, fundraising, writing letters, or volunteering. This not only combats feelings of helplessness but also fosters informed future voters and engaged citizens.
If you’re curious to learn more about family dynamics surrounding these issues, check out this insightful post on the importance of home insemination. For those interested in fertility, Make a Mom offers great resources on at-home insemination kits. For a comprehensive overview of pregnancy and related topics, visit the NICHD.
In summary, checking in with my students opened my eyes to their stress and awareness of political issues. Our conversation highlighted the importance of addressing these topics in the classroom and empowering young minds to take action in the face of uncertainty.