Our primary responsibility is to care for children so that they continue learning and thriving. Children may be experiencing a variety of feelings today as a result of the Presidential election and the issues that were brought up during the election. Schools are monitoring campuses to ensure that kids have appropriate ways to express their anxieties.
The most important thing that we as educators and parents can do with kids is to help children through this period of heightened anxiety.
- Have honest and open conversations that are appropriate for the child’s age. Give kids an opportunity to talk about what is making them anxious. One way is for them to write in a journal.
- Be mindful that parents can project their anxieties to children; kids will take their cue from the way you react
- Remind them that the election is part of our country’s democratic process
- Reassure children that they are valued and safe and that it is the adults’ job to keep them safe
- Continue with the normal, structured routine. Children need the reassurance of calm, safe routines during times of heightened anxiety. Have conversations, and show them that life goes on by continuing with your family’s routine.
