Recently, my pre-teen son has been feeling overwhelmed. One morning, he hugged me and asked, “Mom, what are we going to do?” As we talked, I came to a realization; his worries extended beyond just the new president-elect. He understands that we live in a divided society. He sees the hurt and anger around him. It’s a lot for a child who hasn’t even reached voting age to bear.
My daughter, who is in middle school, has an incredible teacher who took to social media to remind parents of the vital importance of our children feeling secure. These 11-year-olds spend six hours a day in her classroom, and she communicated their fears.
They express concerns for classmates who identify as gay or transgender, and they worry for their own safety. “Some kids are confused by the intense emotions they witness at home and are unsure how to process them. This isn’t about arguments; it’s about understanding and empathy.”
Our remarkable children, the future generation, are exposed to a great deal, even when they aren’t glued to the TV or scrolling through social media. They can sense our feelings and absorb the atmosphere around them. It’s essential that we help them navigate these emotions.
They will continue to seek guidance from trusted adults—parents, teachers, coaches, and more. They are looking for stability, validation, and support, and it’s our job to provide that to them. Here are some ways we can make a difference:
We Listen
We need to be attentive to our children and to one another. By remaining open-minded and demonstrating educated, respectful conversations, we can lead by example. We can stand firm on our values while also being willing to admit when we don’t have all the answers.
We Walk Together
Teachers, bless them, are collaborating with students to create classroom mission statements. This process fosters a collective message of support and acceptance. Students are making their voices heard, expressing dissatisfaction with the current administration and refusing to tolerate hate. They’re organizing peaceful protests, posting supportive messages on social media, and reaching out to their senators. Our kids and their dedicated teachers are inspiring.
We Empower Their Voices
It’s crucial to encourage our children to speak out against injustice. They don’t need to remain silent bystanders. They have daily opportunities to promote acceptance and respect in their interactions with peers, educators, and adults.
We Teach Kindness
Every day, we need to model small acts of kindness. Adults should embody this behavior, allowing children to witness the positive impact of compassion. These gestures can counterbalance confusion and negativity.
We Reinforce Their Impact
Every action they take matters. Their voices, behaviors, and how they treat others are significant. Change can happen in many forms, and we can inspire our children to channel their passions into actions, such as volunteering or fundraising.
We Continue Their Education
It’s essential they understand how democratic processes work. The President doesn’t act unilaterally; we live in a system where we can peacefully challenge decisions we find unjust. They should recognize that the President serves all citizens, not a select few.
We Model Love Over Hate
We can repeat the mantra that love triumphs over hate, but it’s vital that we live by this principle. Action is necessary; we must demonstrate our commitment to justice and inclusivity. This movement toward unity is burgeoning, and it’s visible in our communities—at schools, grocery stores, and local businesses. Just the other day, I noticed a note in my town’s Target that read, “You matter”—a simple but powerful message.
Let’s build on this momentum. If you don’t see this unity in your community, be the catalyst for change. Start conversations, organize events, and create something meaningful. Our children are observing us, and they will emulate our actions.
In conclusion, we have a collective responsibility to guide our children toward a brighter future. By listening, supporting, and educating, we can help them navigate these challenging times.