How to Talk to Your Kids About Post-Election Fears

How to Talk to Your Kids About Post-Election Fears

By Rose Perry, PhD and Rajiv Fernandez

For over a year, you and your kids have had to endure a whirlwind of political campaigning that has left you feeling red, white, and blue. As a parent, you’re working hard to raise an empathetic child who treats others with kindness, respect, and inclusivity. But when someone frequently displaying bullying behavior ascends to our nation’s highest office, it raises a tough question: What type of message does that send to my child? In an especially decisive time in this country, you may be asking yourself, “How do I explain this to my kid?” Here are four ways to address post-election fears with your kids:

1. Focus on YOU first.

It’s normal to feel strong emotions during stressful times, and it’s okay to acknowledge them. Research shows that children can pick up on their caretakers’ feelings, even when they are unspoken. Twelve-month old babies can even feel their parents’ stress through their heart rate. By openly naming and navigating your emotions, you model for your child healthy ways to label, process, and regulate feelings. Rather than hiding your emotions, allowing your child to see you navigate them provides a powerful example and opportunity for them to learn how to manage their own feelings.

2. Make them feel SAFE.

Reassure your child that it’s okay to feel scared or anxious and that they can come to you for support. Let them know they are not alone—help them identify trusted people they can talk to, such as a teacher, counselor, or family friend. Studies in child psychology show that feeling secure and having a stable network of support can significantly lower children’s anxiety during stressful events. Building a community of caring adults who are ready to listen and assist when needed will help reinforce their sense of safety and belonging.

3. Be HONEST.

Don’t sugarcoat or shy away from difficult truths, but frame them in a way your child can understand. Acknowledging hard realities gives children a balanced view of the world, which research suggests helps them develop empathy and resilience. If you’re unsure how to start, we offer glossaries on our HI School site with terms related to race, disability, and LGBTQ+ topics for different age groups (4-7, 8-11, and 12-14) to help guide conversations in an age-appropriate way.

4. Get ACTIVE.

Research suggests that taking positive action can reduce feelings of helplessness. Encourage your child to channel their feelings into meaningful activities by volunteering or supporting causes they care about. Show them how small actions build over time to create change. For example, Volunteer New York offers family-friendly opportunities to help in food pantries and community gardens, including for kids as young as 13. Taking part together reinforces your values and builds your child’s confidence in making a difference.

 

Further reading:

Schama, Chloe. How to Talk to Your Kids About the Election. Vogue. Nov 5, 2024.

Gray, Daniella. How to Talk to Kids About Post 'Election Stress,' According to the Experts. Newsweek. Nov. 5, 2024.

 

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