Like many across the nation, the recent events have left me feeling unsettled, anxious, and at times, overwhelmed. The reality of our political landscape is something I can hardly wrap my head around.
I have found myself oscillating between feelings of anger, insignificance, and an unsettling sense of insecurity—often experiencing all of these emotions simultaneously. The safety and well-being of my family, particularly my children and their friends, weighs heavily on my mind, as does the welfare of families throughout our beautifully diverse country.
The relentless news cycle has turned into a 24/7 ordeal for me (yes, I find myself checking updates even in the wee hours of the night). My sleep has become fragmented, often interrupted by a rising panic that leaves me questioning if I’m caught in some surreal nightmare. I’ve become a compulsive social media scroller, trying to keep tabs on the latest headlines and controversies, muttering “Can you believe he actually said that?” at least 80 times a day—as if anything should still shock me at this point.
I’ve also noticed that my patience with my children has waned. I find myself snapping at them more often and struggling to maintain the calm, nurturing demeanor I strive for. It’s disheartening to admit, but I haven’t been the parent I aspire to be. While I could chalk this up to lack of sleep or the distractions of my worries, I’ve realized that no excuse truly justifies my behavior. I don’t want to suppress my feelings about the state of the world, but I also refuse to let them interfere with the vital role of being a mother.
It’s incredibly challenging—especially during turbulent times—but our children should always remain our primary focus. They need us now more than ever. Regardless of how much we try to shield them, they can sense our anxiety. They catch snippets of our conversations and absorb the news, even when we think they are oblivious. If they are school-aged, they may hear peers discussing current events or even experience hate speech or bullying that stems from the actions of those in power.
As we navigate this tumultuous period in American history, let’s prioritize our kids. Yes, we must engage in activism and contribute to the preservation of our democracy, but we can’t let that overshadow our responsibilities to our families.
Lately, I’ve been making a conscious effort to limit my media exposure, especially with the overwhelming number of political articles flooding my feed. I choose to read quality pieces from trusted sources that offer actionable insights on how we can make a difference as concerned citizens. However, I’ve stopped clicking on every sensational headline or tuning into every news segment.
Perhaps I lack the fortitude or the thick skin to cope with such a barrage of distressing news. The negativity can be deeply triggering, and it’s not easy to simply switch off or compartmentalize. I recognize the need for boundaries for my own mental well-being. My kids deserve a present and engaged mom who can join them in building Lego towers or cuddle up during storytime, without being glued to her phone. They need my full attention when they ask about the wonders of the universe, like how big the Earth is or why the moon seems to follow us home at night.
The state of our country may be disheartening, but our children represent our brightest hope. They can also be a source of healing for us. So, when the weight of the world feels suffocating, it’s essential to view it through the lens of our children. Listen to their curious questions. Notice the trust and wonder in their eyes. Hold them close, take a moment to smell their hair, and run through the rain with them, splashing in puddles.
And don’t forget to laugh. Laughter truly is the best remedy, and no one can unleash a hearty laugh like our kids.
While we must stay informed about our world’s happenings and be passionate advocates for democracy and human rights, we also need to strike a balance. We can’t allow our fears and frustrations to overshadow our ability to be the nurturing parents our children need.
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In summary, while we face a challenging world, our focus should always return to our children, who remind us of joy and hope.