Recently, I’ve noticed my pre-teen son feeling overwhelmed. One morning, he hugged me tightly and asked, “Mom, what’s going to happen next?” After a heartfelt conversation, it became clear to me that his worries extended beyond just the new president-elect. He senses the division in our society. He’s aware that many are suffering and that anger is prevalent. This is a weighty concern for a child who isn’t even eligible to vote yet.
My daughter, now in middle school, has a fantastic teacher who recently shared a message on social media, reminding us all that our kids need a sense of security. These 11-year-olds spend six hours a day in her classroom, and she emphasized their fears. They’re anxious about their classmates who identify as LGBTQ+ and are also fearful for themselves. “Some kids are confused by the intense emotions they see at home and don’t know what to think. It’s not just about arguments; it’s about fostering understanding and empathy.”
Our wonderful children—our future leaders—are exposed to so much, even if they aren’t glued to a screen or social media. They can feel the tension in the air. They are absorbing everything around them, and they need our guidance to process it all.
They will continue to look to trusted adults—parents, educators, coaches, and mentors—for examples and leadership. They seek normalcy and require our support and validation. Here’s how we can provide that:
We listen.
Listening is crucial. We need to tune in to our children and one another. By maintaining open minds and demonstrating respectful, educated dialogue, we can model our values effectively. We can take a stand while remaining calm, admitting when we are wrong or need to learn more before forming opinions.
We walk alongside them.
Our educators, bless them, are collaborating with students to create classroom mission statements. This teamwork fosters a central message of support and acceptance among peers, which is essential. Students are communicating to future leaders that they reject hate and exclusion. They are organizing peaceful rallies, sharing uplifting messages on social media, and creating safe spaces for their peers in need of support.
We empower their voices.
It’s vital to encourage our children to stand up against injustice. They need to know they can make a difference; they don’t have to be bystanders. Every day presents opportunities for them to promote acceptance and respect in their interactions with peers, educators, and adults.
We teach kindness.
Small acts of kindness are crucial right now. Adults need to embody this behavior; children will follow our lead. They will soak up positivity just as readily as they absorb confusion and negativity. Simple good deeds, smiles, and acts of volunteerism can shift the balance in a positive direction.
We affirm their impact.
Every action counts. Their voices matter, their behaviors matter, and how they treat others matters. Change doesn’t only happen through voting; we can generate positive change even in challenging times. Encourage your children to explore issues that resonate with them and inspire them to take action through volunteering or fundraising efforts. By empowering them, we prepare them to empower others.
We continue educating them.
They need to grasp how the democratic process works. The president doesn’t simply implement every idea that comes to mind. Our beautiful country allows us to challenge decisions we believe are unjust, and we can do so peacefully. It’s essential to remind them that the president serves all Americans, not just those who supported him. We must maintain hope that this responsibility will inspire humility.
We exemplify love over hate.
We can say it repeatedly, wear symbols of solidarity, and participate in marches, but it’s crucial that we put our words into action. We must live our values. From where I stand, a movement is beginning. We must demonstrate zero tolerance for racism, Islamophobia, misogyny, or victim blaming. As parents, we must show our children that actions truly speak louder than words.
This movement of unity is emerging, visible in schools, grocery stores, community centers, and restaurants. Just recently, I spotted a note in my local store that read, “You matter.”
Let’s build on this momentum. We need to keep pushing forward and never give up. There’s a lot of work ahead. If you haven’t witnessed unity in your community, take action. Start something. Say something. Create something. Our children are watching us.
In summary, we not only have the responsibility but also the privilege to guide our children as they navigate a complex world. By listening, walking alongside them, empowering their voices, teaching kindness, affirming their impact, and continuing their education, we can ensure a brighter future for everyone. For more insights on parenting and community engagement, check out this article. If you’re looking for resources on home insemination, visit Make-A-Mom for quality kits. For further information on pregnancy, Healthline offers excellent insights.
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