Recently, my pre-teen son has been feeling the weight of the world. One morning, he wrapped his arms around me and asked, “Mom, what’s going to happen next?” After a heart-to-heart, I realized he wasn’t just referencing the latest political news—he’s aware of the division in our society. He feels the hurt and anger that many are grappling with, and that’s a lot for a kid who can’t even vote yet.
My daughter, who’s in middle school, has a fantastic teacher who shared a message on social media emphasizing the importance of safety for our kids. These young students spend six hours a day in her classroom, and she highlighted that they are scared. They worry about friends who are LGBTQ+ and are afraid for themselves. Many are confused by the strong emotions they see at home. “It’s not about being right or wrong; it’s about understanding and empathy.”
Our kids, our future, are exposed to so much more than we realize, even if they aren’t glued to screens or social media. They absorb our emotions, and it’s crucial that we help them process everything happening around them. They look to trusted adults—parents, teachers, coaches—to provide guidance and a sense of normalcy. Here’s how we can support them:
We Listen.
We need to create an environment where our kids feel heard. Open conversations are vital. We should model respectful dialogue and demonstrate our values through our actions. It’s okay to admit when we need to learn more before forming opinions.
We Walk Together.
Thank goodness for our amazing teachers! They’re collaborating with students to create mission statements that emphasize support and acceptance. Kids are taking a stand against hate and exclusion. They’re organizing peaceful rallies, sharing supportive messages online, and even calling their senators. It’s inspiring to see them create safe spaces for their peers.
We Empower Their Voices.
Encourage your children to stand up against injustice. They can be catalysts for change in their communities. By fostering a culture of acceptance and respect, they learn the importance of their actions and words.
We Teach Kindness.
Small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Adults need to model this behavior, showing kids the power of good deeds, smiles, and volunteerism. They will absorb positivity just as easily as they do negativity.
We Reinforce Their Impact.
Remind them that their voices and actions matter. Change isn’t solely about voting; it’s about grassroots efforts and everyday kindness. Support them in exploring issues they care about, whether through volunteering or fundraising.
We Continue Their Education.
Kids need to understand how democracy works. They should know that the President serves all Americans, not just those who voted for him. Teach them that it’s not just okay to challenge unjust decisions; it’s our right to do so peacefully.
We Model Love Over Hate.
We can talk about love trumps hate until we’re blue in the face, but we must also live it. We are already seeing movements of unity pop up in our communities. I recently spotted a sticky note at my local grocery store that said, “You matter.” Let’s build on this momentum and keep it going.
There’s a lot of work ahead. If you don’t see unity in your community, take the initiative to spark change. Our children are watching us, and now is the time to lead by example.
Summary:
Our children are our future, and it’s essential to guide them through these challenging times. By listening, walking alongside them, empowering their voices, teaching kindness, and continuing their education, we can help foster a brighter future. It’s our responsibility to model love and acceptance, ensuring they know their actions can make a difference.
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