Lately, my son Sam has been feeling overwhelmed. One morning, he wrapped his arms around me and asked, “Mom, what’s going to happen next?” After we sat down and chatted, it dawned on me that his concerns reached beyond just the latest political developments. He’s aware of the deep divisions in our country, the pain people are experiencing, and the anger simmering beneath the surface. It’s a heavy load for a kid who’s not yet eligible to vote!
My daughter, a middle schooler, has a terrific teacher who recently shared a Facebook post urging parents to remember that children need to feel secure. These kids spend six hours in her classroom every day, and she made it clear that many of them are scared.
They’re worried about their friends who identify as LGBTQ+ and are anxious about their own safety. “Some kids are confused because they’re absorbing strong emotions at home and don’t know how to process them. It’s not about arguments; it’s about understanding and empathy.”
Our incredible kids, the leaders of tomorrow, are exposed to so much, even if they aren’t glued to the TV or scrolling through social media. They can sense our feelings, becoming sponges for the world around them, and they need our guidance to help them make sense of it all. They will look to trusted adults—parents, educators, coaches—to set an example and lead the way. Here’s how we can support them:
We Listen.
Listening to our kids and each other is crucial. We need to keep an open mind and demonstrate what respectful, informed conversations look like. It’s essential to model our values and take a stand without being confrontational. We should be willing to admit when we’re wrong or when we need to learn more before forming strong opinions.
We Walk Together.
Thank goodness for our dedicated teachers! They’re working with students to create classroom mission statements that promote support and acceptance. Students are sending a clear message to future leaders: they won’t stand for hate or exclusion. They’re organizing peaceful rallies, sharing supportive messages on social media, putting up signs in school hallways, and even contacting their senators. Our children and their devoted educators are truly remarkable.
We Empower Their Voices.
It’s essential to encourage our kids to speak out against injustice. They don’t have to be passive bystanders. Every day is an opportunity for them to foster acceptance and respect in their interactions with their peers and adults.
We Teach Kindness.
Now more than ever, small acts of kindness are vital. Adults need to model this behavior so kids can see the positive impact of good deeds, smiles, and volunteer efforts. These gestures can help counteract confusion and negativity, tipping the scales toward positivity.
We Affirm Their Impact.
Our children’s thoughts and actions matter. Voting is not the only avenue for change. We can inspire them to research issues they care about and channel that passion into action—whether through volunteering or fundraising. Empowered kids empower others.
We Keep Educating.
It’s important for them to understand how democracy works. The President doesn’t just get to make unilateral decisions without input from others. We live in a society where we can challenge unjust decisions peacefully and respectfully. They should remember that the President’s role is to serve all Americans, not just those who voted for him. We need to have faith that this responsibility will ground our leaders.
We Model Love Over Hate.
We can repeat that love trumps hate until we’re blue in the face, but it’s our actions that truly count. We must embody this message in our daily lives. From where I stand, there’s a movement gaining momentum. We must make it clear that we won’t tolerate racism, Islamophobia, misogyny, or victim-blaming.
As parents, we have to show our kids that actions speak louder than words. I see this movement of unity everywhere—in schools, grocery stores, community centers, and restaurants. Just the other day, I spotted a note stuck to a mirror in my local Target that read, “You matter.”
Let’s build on this momentum and keep pushing forward. We have a lot of work ahead of us. If you haven’t witnessed this unity in your community, don’t wait for someone else to step up. Take the initiative, start a conversation, or create something impactful.
Our kids are watching us, and they’re ready to learn.
This article was originally published on November 20, 2016.
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Summary:
Our children are our future, and it’s crucial to provide them with the support they need to navigate today’s challenges. By listening, walking alongside them, empowering their voices, teaching kindness, affirming their impact, and continuing their education, we can create a brighter tomorrow. We must model love over hate and take action to foster unity within our communities.