As parents, we often use significant events to teach our children important values—like the importance of kindness, acceptance, and standing against bullying. Recently, many of us faced a harsh reality that challenged our hopeful view of society. We witnessed the election of a leader who has made disparaging remarks about various groups and encouraged a culture of division.
Friends went to bed feeling anxious, and countless individuals felt marginalized. Most importantly, our children look to us for guidance on how to make sense of it all. How do we explain that a large portion of the populace supports a man with such a controversial past? How do we reassure our kids that things will be alright when we ourselves are unsure?
In a poignant moment, news anchor Jordan Lee voiced the struggles many parents experienced that night. “It’s tough being a parent right now,” Lee reflected. “You teach your kids not to bully, not to judge others, and then you face an outcome that leaves them feeling scared and confused.” He highlighted the very real fears of many Americans, including immigrant families and those from marginalized communities, who are left wondering if they still belong in their own country.
Picture being a Muslim American today or an immigrant awaiting a green card—many no longer feel at home in the place they once cherished. That night was painful for many of us, igniting feelings of failure and disbelief. Did we underestimate how deep-rooted these issues were? I took my little girl to vote, thinking we were part of a historical moment.
“It’s crucial for the new leader to reach out to those he might have offended,” Lee stated. “When you talk about taking the country back, it alienates those who feel they haven’t been adequately represented.” It’s essential to foster a sense of belonging rather than division.
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In summary, it’s challenging to navigate these conversations with our children, but we need to find ways to reassure them while also addressing the realities of our world.