Like many people, recent events have left me feeling unsettled, anxious, and frankly, overwhelmed. With the news of a new president, I’ve found myself swinging between anger, frustration, and an unsettling sense of insecurity—often experiencing all these feelings at once. I worry about my family’s safety, my kids, their friends, and all the families across our diverse nation.
I’ve been glued to the news cycle, refreshing social media like it’s my lifeline, even during those late-night hours when sleep eludes me. I wake up in a panic, wondering if this is all some kind of nightmare I can escape from. I scroll through my feed, muttering “OMG, did they really just say that?” repeatedly, even though I know I shouldn’t be shocked at this point.
I’ve noticed that I’ve been snapping at my kids more than I should, and my patience has been running thin. I’m not the kind of mom I aspire to be. Sure, I could blame it on lack of sleep or the constant worry hanging over me, but deep down I know that none of that excuses my behavior. While I don’t want to ignore my feelings, I also don’t want them to distract me from the most important job I have—being a present and loving parent.
It’s challenging—especially now when the world feels so heavy—but our children must remain our priority. They sense our worries, hear our conversations, and pick up on the headlines, whether we think they’re listening or not. For those with school-age children, they might even hear troubling things from peers or witness bullying fueled by the current climate.
As we navigate this tumultuous time in history, let’s hone in on our kids. Yes, we need to engage in activism where we can—our society needs our voices to help uphold democracy. However, we must balance that with nurturing our children. Family comes first.
Lately, I’ve made it a point to limit my media consumption, especially with the flood of political news. I’m sticking to informative articles from trustworthy sources and ones that provide actionable steps for concerned citizens. But I’ve made a conscious effort to avoid every sensational headline or news segment. Perhaps I’m not resilient enough, but when the news is filled with so much negativity—stuff that hits me hard—I find it difficult to just switch off and move on.
I need to protect my mental space. My kids need me fully present, whether they’re building with Legos or wanting to cuddle at bedtime. They deserve my undivided attention when they’re full of questions about the world, like how big the Earth is or why the moon seems to follow us home.
Let’s not forget: our nation may feel like it’s falling apart, but our children represent our brightest hope. They can also help heal our spirits. So, when you’re feeling down about the world, take a moment to view life through your children’s eyes. Listen to their curious questions, appreciate their trust, and cherish those small moments—like running home through a rainstorm or splashing in puddles.
Laugh with them—laughter is the best remedy, and kids excel at it!
We must stay informed about the happenings in our country. Let’s rally for the causes that matter and work to protect our democracy. But let’s also find a balance. We can’t let fear overwhelm us to the point where we forget to be the parents our kids urgently need us to be.
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In summary, prioritize your children amidst the chaos of the world. They need you to be present, supportive, and engaged, even when times are tough. Balance your awareness of current events with the joys and responsibilities of parenthood.