In the early hours after a long night of following election results, I was jolted awake by my 5-year-old daughter, Clara, standing beside my bed. “Mom, what happened? Is our candidate president?” she asked, her face mirroring the frustration of a child who didn’t get her way at the candy store. Dressed in her cozy pajamas, she awaited my response to the news that we had hoped would be different.
My husband and I had already acknowledged the defeat; we had turned off our screens after the concession speech, but sleep didn’t come easily. We lay awake, contemplating how to navigate this sensitive conversation. Having worked in political spheres before, we were no strangers to the highs and lows of elections, but this felt more personal. It was about values we hold dear—equity, inclusivity, and compassion—which our children also believed in.
With swollen eyes from tears, I finally sat up, grappling with how to convey my feelings to Clara. The parenting advice I had absorbed over the years played in my mind, and I found myself wishing for a redo of my initial thoughts. I recognized that discussing the election wasn’t just a one-off conversation; it was a chance to guide my children through disappointment and encourage resilience. Here are 10 ways I plan to approach this topic with my kids.
1. You Are Cherished and Important.
The foundation of any conversation should be reassurance. It’s crucial for our children to understand they are loved and valued not just by us, but also by their community and country.
2. I Will Keep You Safe.
The fear that permeated the election season can be overwhelming for children. We must assure them that we will protect them through our words and actions.
3. Acknowledging Our Loss.
We should own the outcome and model resilience for our kids. It’s essential for them to see how we can rise after a setback and plan our next steps.
4. Expressing Our Emotions.
It’s vital to be honest with our kids about our sadness and concerns. Sharing our feelings helps them understand that it’s okay to feel upset and uncertain.
5. Addressing Harsh Realities.
We must confront the realities of sexism and racism that surfaced during the election. Ignoring these issues doesn’t help; instead, we need to engage in open discussions about them.
6. Empowering Girls.
We must continue to inspire our daughters to dream big and believe in their power. Reinforcing positive role models and opportunities is essential in this pursuit.
7. Understanding Civic Engagement.
The excitement around a voting sticker shouldn’t be the end of civic education. We should explain how elections work and the importance of ongoing participation in civic life.
8. Taking Action for Human Rights.
We need to commit to advocating for human rights, teaching our children to speak up against injustice, discrimination, and bullying.
9. Engaging with Our Community.
Change requires action. We should encourage our children to be active in community efforts, showing them the importance of support and participation.
10. Finding Joy and Moving Forward.
Despite the unpredictability of elections, our love remains constant. It’s our duty to guide our children through this phase, helping them understand forgiveness and the pursuit of happiness.
Our kids depend on us to navigate these challenges together, and we will find a way to foster joy in our family and community once more.
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Summary
Navigating disappointing election results with children requires open communication, emotional honesty, and a focus on empowerment and community engagement. It’s essential to reassure them of their value, promote resilience, and take actionable steps towards a better future.