As parents, we often find ourselves in the role of explainers, especially during turbulent times. With this presidential race, many of us have taken the opportunity to teach our kids that bullying is unacceptable, that discrimination based on race or religion is simply wrong, and that “love conquers hate.” However, after last night’s election results, we faced a harsh reality that challenged our beliefs about our country: that we could elect a candidate who has openly displayed xenophobic and misogynistic behavior. The “bully” won.
We have friends who went to bed feeling anxious, and we know many citizens who feel left out and unheard. Most importantly, our children are looking to us for answers. What can we say? How do we explain that a significant portion of the country seems to support an individual backed by hate groups like the KKK? How do we reassure them when we ourselves are uncertain about the future?
CNN anchor Jake Lewis voiced the sentiments of many parents as we looked in on our sleeping kids last night. “It’s tough to be a parent during times like these,” he expressed. “You tell your kids to stand against bullying and bigotry, to work hard and stay prepared, and then you see this outcome. There are children going to bed afraid of what tomorrow holds.”
He highlighted the very real fear many communities are feeling right now. “I have friends who are Muslim texting me, asking if they should leave the country. Families of immigrants are terrified,” he shared. Imagine the anxiety of a Muslim American today or a Mexican immigrant waiting for their green card. Can we truly empathize with those who no longer feel secure in their own homes?
Last night was painful for many of us, as it felt like a failure on our part. Were we so comfortable that we couldn’t fathom such a result? I took my three-year-old son with me to vote, fully believing we were making history together.
“Donald Trump now has the duty to reassure everyone that he will be a president for all, including those he has offended,” remarked Lewis. “When you say you want to take your country back, it leaves many feeling unrepresented. We shouldn’t have to accept an outcome that disregards some of us to attract others.”
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In summary, we face the challenge of explaining complicated social dynamics to our children while grappling with our own feelings of uncertainty. It’s a delicate balance of instilling hope while recognizing the fears that exist in our communities.