How adults can answer children’s questions about the election

As news of President-elect Donald Trump’s decisive victory spread Wednesday morning, questions and fears arose among people of all ages about what his second term would look like.

“I spent the morning confident that my grandson was safe and secure,” one HuffPost reader said on Facebook. “Personally, I’m wondering what to do with this.”

During Kamala Harris’ concession speech Wednesday afternoon, she told the young people watching: “It’s okay to feel sad and disappointed. But please know that it will be okay.”

“During the campaign, I often said, ‘If you fight, you win.’ But the problem is this: Sometimes fighting takes time.” Harris spoke to the crowd at her alma mater, Howard University, in Washington, D.C. “That doesn’t mean we won’t win. That doesn’t mean we can’t win. The important thing is to never give up. Never give up. Never stop trying to make the world a better place. “You have the power.”

Meanwhile, at home, children of all ages are asking adults important questions about life. It can be difficult to know how to respond to these concerns, let alone in an age-appropriate way.

We asked our readers what questions their kids are asking about the election results. We then asked some therapists and other experts to offer guidance on how adults can answer these difficult questions and support families in the process.

Young children tend to take in much more than many adults realize. Try to protect children from potentially stressful information.

They “have a knack for getting to the heart of the problems we all struggle with in life. “Elections are no exception.” Jessica Dim Bartlett, a developmental psychologist and licensed clinical social worker, told HuffPost.

You may be struggling with the same questions as your child, she said, but you can find ways to respond to their concerns, provide comfort, and help them cope with their feelings.

“When adults stop what they are doing to talk to children, show affection, and show genuine interest in what they say and feel, they reassure children that they are loved and that they and their loved ones are safe.” Bartlett is president and co-founder of Thriving Together, located in Newton, Massachusetts.

You can also ask your child what they’re most worried about right now and respond with age-appropriate information delivered “in a way that emphasizes hope, positivity, and agency” rather than “fear and panic,” she added.

“For example, instead of answering this child’s question, ‘Okay, isn’t it really terrible that there are such mean people in the world?’ Or, a parent might say, ‘I don’t understand why someone would vote for a mean person.’ ‘The people who voted for him believe he will help them, even though he can be a mean person.’ -ups will work hard to make sure he doesn’t do anything bad while he’s president and that they vote for someone better next time.’”

Jake Young is the Director of Communications and Culture at Brave Trails, an organization dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth leadership. Many families are experiencing “deep collective grief” following the election, they said. Those feelings should be validated, not set aside.

“It breaks my heart to see our LGBTQ+ youth facing so much negativity and having to carry the fear of their future,” Young said. “They should not be burdened with wondering if they will ever be recognized for their basic human dignity, nor should they constantly have to be strong or brave just to get through the world.”

Lee Hatcher is a therapist at the Gender & Sexuality Therapy Center in New York City. They were 16-year-old transgender kids in the South when Trump was elected to his first term. Hatcher recalls thinking at the time: “How can I overcome this situation?” So they understand these fears firsthand.

Hatcher advises parents to talk to their children about how the new administration could affect their future and to “actively listen and engage with how they feel.”

“Transgender youth need real emotional support. By letting them know that their voice is valid and valid, you are showing them what you are going to do. Support them every step of the way,” Hatcher said. “That doesn’t mean it’s easy. This means that love and community endure.”

Young also emphasized the important role parents and guardians of LGBTQ+ children play, especially during these uncertain times.

“LGBTQ+ youth’s mental health functions best when they feel like they are part of a supportive community, have role models at home who provide hope for a brighter future, and who help them know they have full support. ” said Young.

“At this moment, the power of connection and community cannot be overstated. Providing these pillars of support can make a world of difference in helping them feel seen, valued and hopeful.”

Leah Orchinik, a pediatric psychologist at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Delaware, said you can remind children in age-appropriate, simple terms that “regardless of the outcome, our democratic process is a strength.”

“‘An important part of our country is that it is a democracy. Every citizen has the right to vote, and sometimes a candidate wins, sometimes not. Not everyone shares the same opinions about what is most important, and the values ​​that are important to our family may not be the same as the values ​​that are most important to another family. But we will respect people with different beliefs.”

Orchinik said it can also be helpful to explain to children that current leaders will not be in charge of the country forever.

“’Another great thing about our country is that we have a presidential election every four years. We will always have the opportunity to vote again and people may make different choices next time,” Orchinik said. “In the meantime, we can find ways to help causes we believe in in our community.”

This question reminds us that even young children cannot be protected from shocking events in the news. “That’s why it’s important to give kids a space to share their thoughts and concerns,” Orchinik said.

Her first piece of advice? Validate your child’s feelings by: “It’s understandable to feel fear about that. Sometimes it can be difficult for children not to worry when they watch or hear content on the news or from other children,” Orchinik suggested.

Orchinik said it’s also the job of adults to be honest and reassure children, even if they don’t have all the answers. You can do this by focusing on the safe and positive parts of their lives.

“The specific conversation will vary depending on each family’s situation, but say, ‘Think of all the people you trust in your life: your parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, etc.’ If you’re scared, it can be helpful to talk about your concerns like you are and they can remind you that you are safe and will keep you safe,’” Orchinik said.