I must confess that I’ve been somewhat preoccupied and a bit insensitive in various aspects of my life since the election. Overwhelmed by the constant stream of distressing news—civil rights at risk, threats to national security, environmental concerns, and a compromised free press—I neglected one of my top priorities: the emotional health of my 10- and 11-year-old students.
In my effort to keep politics out of the classroom, I overlooked the most pressing issue that loomed large: President Trump. It was actually a fellow teacher, Sarah, who encouraged me to ask my students about their feelings post-election. Her class had touched on this topic, revealing a shocking level of anxiety among her students.
As she recounted their fears, I felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me. I had completely failed to consider that the stress from the election that affected me might also be weighing heavily on them.
Later that day, during a discussion reflecting on our annual Martin Luther King Jr. assembly, I decided to broach the topic. What I discovered was eye-opening.
To my surprise, every single student was far more informed about current events than I had anticipated. They knew about the popular vote margin that favored Hillary Clinton by around 3 million votes, the antics of rogue Twitter accounts from NASA and the National Park Service, and “alternative facts.” They were aware of the marches and the infamous “pussy” hats, Russian interference, and Trump’s plans for a wall at the southern border. They even understood the implications of discrimination against Muslims while favoring Christian refugees. The information they possessed was extensive.
While I had encouraged them to stay informed during the election, I felt silenced afterward. I didn’t know how to navigate the current battle over truth with my fifth graders, at least until I could formulate a framework for discussing these topics neutrally.
Despite my decision to avoid current events in the classroom, it was clear my students had not lost their awareness or interest in politics. When I asked how they were keeping up with the news, some mentioned family discussions, while others admitted to picking up tidbits from adult conversations that weren’t meant for their ears. Many were getting information from media sources like smartphones, radios, and televisions.
As I listened to their stories filled with stress, anger, and anxiety, I recognized the profound impact the election was having on their family lives. Students shared how their parents seemed shorter-tempered and melancholic, with one stating, “There’s just less happiness at home.”
This experience made me realize that my attempt to sidestep political discussions wasn’t making the issues disappear. I promised my students I would check in with them more frequently and vowed to find ways to address their concerns in class. I also inquired about what they did at home to cope. Some mentioned playing, while others said their families had turned off the TV. One student practiced meditation with her mom, and two participated in the Women’s March with their parents.
While not every family may share the same concerns about the current administration, many at my school seem to be struggling, as indicated by the high turnout at protest marches.
This is a new era for parents. In my own fifth-grade days, most of us were blissfully unaware of who was in the White House or how the electoral system worked. Adults tended to handle the worrying behind closed doors. Today, however, political discourse is louder and more divisive than ever, and children are listening closely.
As educators and parents, we must pay attention to how we discuss the political climate with our children. No more denial; they are tuned in. In addition to engaging them in meaningful conversations, we should also empower them through action. Participating in marches, like some of my students did, gave them and their families a sense of hope.
Parents can help channel their children’s anxieties into constructive actions by encouraging them to identify their concerns and explore ways to address them—whether it’s joining an organization, raising funds, writing letters, or doing community service. This approach not only alleviates feelings of helplessness but also nurtures informed future voters and engaged citizens, which is essential for our democracy.
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In summary, the political climate is impacting our children more than we might realize. Engaging them in discussions and empowering them through action can help alleviate their fears and nurture their growth as responsible citizens.