It’s 5 a.m., and I’ve been tossing and turning for quite some time. Sleep? Not a chance. My fingers are flying across the keyboard because soon my kids will be up and looking for answers. They’re still quite young, but kids pick up on more than we give them credit for. I want to frame the day’s events in a way that offers hope.
So, I’ll tell my little ones that their dad and I will always protect and love them. Nothing in their world has shifted. They’ll still head off to school while we tackle our workday, and then we’ll come together for pizza night. Our plans for a summer trip to Disney World remain intact. We’re still a family, and I’ll ensure they understand what it means to live a good life.
My husband and I are dedicated to instilling values of kindness and service in our children. Each holiday season, we encourage them to select toys to donate to those in need. We engage in food drives at their schools and pass along clothes that no longer fit. They’ve learned that lying, cheating, and stealing are wrong—but that’s just scratching the surface.
I want them to grasp the power of service. They have the ability to make a difference in our world through simple acts of kindness. The recent election season has left many of us feeling worn out and frustrated. We have a lot of healing to do.
My kids enjoy privileges that come with being part of a white, middle-class, heterosexual, married family. With that privilege, however, comes a hefty responsibility—a lesson I aim to reinforce. We must look out for one another.
Today, I’ll remind them to befriend everyone, every day. I’ll show them how to handle loss with grace. Life isn’t always about winning, and while we can’t change the election results, it doesn’t alter who we are at our essence.
I’ll teach them to see individuals beyond surface differences. The diversity in our country should not breed fear; rather, it should be an opportunity to discover our shared humanity. Disagreements can be navigated with respect, and I hope they can engage with those who may not return that respect.
Our beliefs compel us to avoid harming others with our words. I will guide them in expressing themselves when they or someone else has been wronged. Silence in the face of racism or homophobia makes us complicit, and I want my children to understand that.
While we can’t change what happened in the election, we can certainly change ourselves. Let’s set aside our political views for a moment, take a collective breath, and extend our hands to those who think differently. We can seek to understand each other and strive to be the change we wish to see. The damage done can still be repaired. We can be the good.
For more insights on this journey, check out our other blog post on home insemination. And if you’re interested in more about fertility, this resource is a great starting point. For a comprehensive understanding of infertility, the CDC provides excellent information.
In summary, we have the power to heal and create positive change, not only for ourselves but for those around us. By teaching our kids kindness, respect, and responsibility, we can foster a brighter, more compassionate future.