After a long night glued to the election results, I woke up to my 5-year-old, Max, standing at the foot of my bed, looking less than thrilled. “Mom, it’s true. The other guy won,” he said with a pout that reminded me of the time I tried to serve him broccoli for dinner. In his fuzzy dinosaur pajamas, he awaited my response at an ungodly hour, clearly confused about the outcome we’d been hoping for.
Honestly, I already knew the results before I climbed into bed that night. My partner and I had turned off the news after the acceptance speech, but sleep was elusive. We both lay awake, staring at the ceiling, processing our thoughts until I finally blurted out, “I have no idea how to talk to the kids about this.”
Having spent years in political roles, my partner and I were no strangers to the ups and downs of elections. But this time felt different; it was more than just a career change. This election represented our vision of a united country committed to fairness, women’s rights, and kindness. And our kids shared that dream.
With bleary eyes and a heavy heart, I sat up, determined to figure out how to talk to Max about the results. Here are 10 ways I’m navigating this tricky conversation with my children.
- You Are Cherished
First and foremost, it’s essential for our kids to feel loved and valued. They need to know that their family, community, and country appreciate them. Start by affirming their worth and reminding them that they are worthy of love and support. - I Will Keep You Safe
Fear has been rampant in this election cycle. We must reassure our children that we will protect them through our words and actions, letting them know they can feel secure in our care. - We Will Rise Again
It’s vital to acknowledge the disappointment of the election results. Show your kids that it’s okay to feel let down and that the important thing is how we rise from this setback. We need to own our feelings and demonstrate resilience. - I’m Sad and Unsure
Being honest about our feelings is crucial. Share your sadness and uncertainty with your children. They need to see how you cope with disappointment. It’s okay to say, “I don’t know what’s coming next,” because guess what? That’s the truth. - Facing Reality
The harsh truths of sexism and racism are part of our world, and it’s a conversation we can’t shy away from. We need to address these issues openly. Children are perceptive and deserve to know what’s happening around them. - Girls Can Do Anything
Before the election, we believed in the power of girls, and that belief should only grow stronger. Empower your daughters with positive role models and encourage them to dream big. When they ask about female leadership, be honest about the challenges, but also emphasize the fight for progress. - Civic Engagement Is Ongoing
Your kids were probably thrilled about their voting stickers, but civic involvement should extend beyond that. Teach them about the election process and explain that change doesn’t happen overnight. - We Will Advocate for Rights
We must commit to speaking out and taking action for human rights. In our family, we’ll stand against injustice and promote kindness. The election results don’t change our core beliefs, and we must instill the same values in our children. - Community Matters
Change requires action, and we can’t just sit back. Engage with your community and encourage your kids to participate. Teach them that showing up for others fosters unity and progress. - Finding Joy in Progress
Elections can be unpredictable, but our love for our children is steadfast. As we navigate this new chapter, we can choose to forgive and find joy in the small things that make us feel like a family, community, and nation.
In conclusion, discussing challenging topics with our children is never easy, but through love, honesty, and resilience, we can guide them through difficult times. For more insights into family and parenting, check out this helpful resource about home insemination. Additionally, Make a Mom provides great information on self-insemination, and UCSF’s fertility page is an excellent resource for understanding fertility and insurance options.