In the wake of the election, I must admit that I’ve been somewhat preoccupied and out of touch with various aspects of my life. Overwhelmed by the relentless stream of disconcerting news regarding civil rights, national security threats, environmental concerns, and the overall truthfulness of our media, I lost sight of one of my top priorities: the emotional health of my students, who are just 10 and 11 years old.
In my effort to avoid political topics in the classroom, I overlooked the significant issue looming over us all: President Trump. It wasn’t until a fellow teacher suggested I engage my students in a conversation about their feelings post-election that I realized how much I had missed. She had noticed a profound level of anxiety among her own students, which prompted me to reflect on whether my students were experiencing similar stress.
Later that day, during a discussion about our annual Martin Luther King Jr. assembly, I decided to broach the topic with my class. I was not prepared for the depth of their knowledge or the intensity of their feelings. Each student demonstrated a remarkable awareness of the election and ongoing political discourse—much more than I had anticipated. They spoke about Hillary Clinton’s significant popular vote lead (around 3 million votes), the rogue Twitter accounts of NASA and the National Park Service, and the concept of “alternative facts.” They were familiar with the various protests, including the Women’s March, and even the implications of Russian intervention in the electoral process.
While I had encouraged my students to stay informed about the election, I had become silent in the aftermath, unsure of how to navigate the turbulent political landscape with a fifth-grade audience. However, my students had remained engaged and aware.
Curious about how they gathered information, I asked them if they discussed politics at home. Some confirmed they did, while others mentioned they picked up on adult conversations that weren’t meant for them. Many reported receiving news through social media, television, and even overheard discussions between teachers.
As I listened to their accounts of increased anxiety, frustration, and diminished joy, it became clear that the election’s impact was rippling through their family lives. One student noted, “There is just less happiness in our home,” highlighting the emotional toll this political climate has taken on their households.
This experience made me realize that avoiding political discussions in class wouldn’t make the issues disappear. I reassured my students that I would check in with them more frequently and committed to finding ways to address their concerns in a supportive manner. When I asked them what they did to cope, their responses varied—some enjoyed playing, others turned off the television, and one student practiced meditation with her mother. A couple of them participated in the Women’s March with their families.
While not every household is troubled by the current administration’s policies, it’s evident from our conversation that many families at my school are grappling with uncertainty. The substantial turnout at protest marches suggests that these concerns are widely shared.
Today’s political environment is markedly different from what I experienced at their age. In my fifth-grade year, most of us were blissfully unaware of the political landscape, allowing adults to shoulder the worries. Now, political dialogue is more pronounced and often divisive, requiring us to be mindful of how we communicate these issues with children. We cannot deny their awareness; they are listening.
Engaging them directly in discussions about their fears is essential. Finding ways to empower them through action can also help alleviate their anxieties. Participating in community events or advocacy efforts provided some of my students and their parents with a sense of hope and agency. Parents can encourage their children to express their concerns and channel their energies into positive actions, whether it’s through volunteering, writing letters, or joining organizations relevant to their interests. This approach not only helps children feel less helpless but also nurtures a generation of informed, engaged citizens who will contribute positively to our democracy.
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In summary, the election has profoundly affected my students, highlighting the importance of addressing their concerns and fostering open dialogue about current events. We must strive to empower them, turning their anxiety into action as they navigate this new political frontier.