As a mother of three, I’ve been reflecting deeply on this election. To be frank, it terrifies me—not just for the current state of our nation but for what it means for the generations that follow. It’s easy to think of politics as separate from personal values, but the truth is, our votes are a direct reflection of who we are as individuals.
I strive to be a role model for my children. I don’t want to tell them, “Do as I say, not as I do.” But this election is making that distinction painfully clear. As a mom, here’s what I can’t reconcile:
- How can you teach your children not to mock those who are different, not to ridicule individuals with disabilities, or to disrespect people of various faiths, and then vote for someone who embodies those negative traits? I can’t.
- How can you instill the values of compassion and service in your kids while casting your vote for someone who seems to lack those very qualities? I can’t.
- Can you support a candidate who openly demeans women and then expect your son to treat women with respect? I can’t see that logic.
- How can you tell your children to be kind and not bully others, yet vote for someone who thrives on bullying? I can’t justify that.
- Can you teach your kids about integrity, only to endorse someone who brags about unethical business practices? I cannot.
- How can you advise your children to think critically and come up with solutions while voting for someone who has yet to provide any substantial plans? I can’t.
As John Oliver so eloquently put it, “When we say we want a politician who speaks their mind, we should clarify that we don’t mean someone who is a total jerk.”
Words matter. Once they’re spoken, they can’t be taken back. So, you better be sure you mean them—because people might forgive, but they will certainly remember.
Many of the candidate’s supporters say they’re looking for something “different.” They’re tired of the usual political rhetoric. But “different” doesn’t always equate to “better.” Look at the infamous Watermelon Oreo, for example. Recently, political expert Sarah Lane remarked, “It’s disheartening. This candidate is the most profoundly clueless individual I’ve ever encountered in politics, and he shows no desire to learn.”
This individual has zero experience governing a country and has failed to provide any substantial details about his policies. If your child needed a critical medical procedure, would you trust a doctor who skipped medical school? Would you trust someone who claims he can heal your child without ever having done it before? If you wouldn’t risk your child’s life, why would you risk the future of our nation?
When I think about what this election means for my children, I’m reminded of the importance of teaching them to embrace life with courage. The campaign is filled with fear-mongering tactics that paint a grim picture of our world, and the only solutions offered seem to pit one group against another.
Did you know that the odds of dying in a terrorist attack in the U.S. are 1 in 3.6 billion? And just to clear it up, not all Muslims are terrorists. The chances of being attacked by a shark are 1 in 3.7 million, but I’m not going to tell my kids to stay out of the ocean. This kind of fear tactics are simply unacceptable. We can’t encourage our children to face life boldly while supporting a candidate who thrives on fear and suspicion.
This transcends politics; it goes to the core of our identities as people and as parents. We are better than this, and our children deserve so much more. They need us to guide them toward a more hopeful future.
For further insights on parenting through challenging times, check out this post on intracervical insemination, a topic that intersects with the joys and complexities of family life. And if you’re looking for a deeper understanding of pregnancy and family planning, Healthline offers excellent resources.
In summary, as we approach this election, let’s remember that our votes are a reflection of our values. We owe it to our children to make choices that embody the principles we wish to instill in them.