So, the election is over – and your child has big feelings about it.
Whether those feelings are elation or dread, it’s important for parents to know how to help their children through the first days after an election.
Here are three tips to help your child manage their post-election emotions:
Figure out how much you want to say or show to your child about your own feelings
Even if your family is an especially open one, children don’t need to know everything their parents are thinking. To the extent that you can or think it’s wise, protect your child from news or events that are too mature for them to understand. If you’re devastated, try to find a measured way to express that.
Your children’s feelings can have a lot to do with you, because they can sense and mirror emotions. If you’re not handling your own stress or worries in a healthy way, there’s a chance they’ll have a hard time doing it, too.
Figure out what emotion your child is actually expressing
Is it anger? Is it fear? Are they exhibiting arrogance? Narrowing down what your child is thinking and feeling will help you address emotional well-being more effectively.
Let them express those emotions, without judgment
Everyone has the right to express what they’re feeling (within socially acceptable reason, of course). If your child is anxious, try deep breathing exercises or activities that will help them focus on themselves and the space around them. If your child is happy while others are not, remind him or her to make sure to share those feelings with like-minded people, and that being kind to others is one of the best ways to be a good citizen. Help them find constructive ways to express their feelings.
Most importantly, remind your children that you’re always there to talk with them and will do your best to keep them safe.
Resources for helping children process election results
Asian Mental Health Collective
The Kids Mental Health Foundation
