In today’s world, many of our young ones are feeling overwhelmed by the events around them. Recently, my pre-teen son expressed his worries to me, saying, “Mom, what are we going to do?” After a heart-to-heart, I recognized that his concerns extended beyond the political climate; he was aware of the division and pain present in our society. This is a heavy load for a child who hasn’t even reached voting age yet.
My daughter, also in middle school, is fortunate to have an insightful teacher who shared a poignant message with parents on social media — our kids crave a sense of security. These 11-year-olds are spending hours in classrooms, and many of them feel anxious. They are particularly worried for classmates who identify as LGBTQ+ and are uncertain about their own safety. “Some are confused,” the teacher noted, “because they’re witnessing intense emotions at home and don’t know how to process it. It’s not just about arguments; it’s about empathy and understanding.”
Our children, the leaders of tomorrow, are exposed to an array of challenges, even if they’re not glued to screens. They feel the tension in the air and need guidance to navigate their emotions. It’s vital for them to look up to dependable adults—parents, teachers, and mentors—for support and direction. So, how do we step up?
We Listen.
We must actively engage with our children and each other, embracing open dialogues. By demonstrating how to have educated and respectful discussions, we embody our values. We can oppose negativity without falling into hostility and admit our own gaps in understanding.
We Walk Together.
Thankfully, educators are stepping up, collaborating with students to create mission statements that promote acceptance and support. Kids are taking the initiative to express their dissatisfaction with current leadership and are organizing peaceful demonstrations. They’re sharing uplifting messages on social media and advocating for their peers. Their actions, along with dedicated teachers, are truly inspiring.
We Empower Their Voices.
It’s crucial to motivate our kids to stand against injustice. They can’t remain passive bystanders. Daily, they have chances to foster acceptance and respect in their interactions with others, including adults.
We Teach Kindness.
Small acts of kindness are essential right now. Both kids and adults need to witness these positive behaviors in action. Good deeds can counterbalance the confusion and negativity they absorb from their surroundings.
We Acknowledge Their Impact.
Every child’s voice matters, and how they conduct themselves is significant. Change isn’t limited to voting; even when feeling disheartened, they can be catalysts for positive transformation. Encourage them to explore issues they care about and get involved in community service or fundraising.
We Educate Continuously.
Understanding the democratic process is key. It’s important to remind them that the President serves all Americans, not just a select few. We can challenge unfair decisions in a peaceful and constructive manner.
We Promote Love Over Hate.
It’s not enough to just say that love triumphs over hate; we must embody it. Our actions need to reflect this belief to inspire our children, who are watching and learning from us.
The movement towards unity is already underway, visible in various aspects of our daily lives. I recently spotted a note at a store that read, “You matter.” Let’s build on this momentum, engage our communities, and foster kindness everywhere we go.
Our children are keen observers and participants in this world, and it’s up to us to set the right example.
In summary, we must actively listen, support, empower, educate, and model kindness for our children to help them navigate these challenging times. By embodying these principles, we can ensure that they grow into compassionate, engaged individuals ready to create a brighter future.