What should we tell the kids?!? Almost every Southern California parent on my social media feeds, in addition to the LA Times and The Huffington Post, are asking this question after President Elect Donald Trump won the election. Many in Southern California don’t like these election results. But here they are.
No matter what side you voted for (I’ll never spill) we’ve all been smacked and blasted with every kind of emotion feasible this last week: Fear, Hope, Disgust, Happiness, Confusion, Relief… and Violence (thanks crazy protestors — yes, I agree with our American right to peacefully express opposing opinions in a public forum, but I vehemently disagree with causing property damage and insulting police officers and reporters covering the scene while letting you do your thing). Shame on you. Shame on all of us adults who’ve smacked-talked the candidates in front of our kids in a way that, if we heard them saying those things as children, we’d have punished them.
So back to the question — what to tell the kids should you or someone you’re close to feel at a loss? Well, I found this floating in a Facebook group. I think it’s sentiment can be agreed upon no matter what or who you personally voted for:
DON’T PANIC, period. We talked about “what to tell the kids” on Friday morning’s ‘FAB Mom’ on CBS Los Angeles. I tried to be fair, balanced and respectful of all sides here… I’m hoping it worked. The fact is, we have checks and balances in this nation that will — WILL — protect it from becoming some kind of dictatorship that so many are afraid of. Know that. DON’T PANIC. If you are feeling hopeless, opt to be resilient. If you are saying threatening things, know that your kids are watching and interpreting too (and probably getting really scared). Yes, talk about feelings and opinions, but don’t compromise sanity either.
Just for kicks, I think there’s extreme value and life-shaping lessons to learn when it comes to teaching our kids about respect — how to respect each other, how to respect the new President that the nation elected. Learning how to respect each other is imperative in this country — even if you don’t believe someone else is respectful or if they don’t show respect to you. Let’s start with our own houses and be the example for the future… my Friday morning segment from the week before (following Election Day):
Love your neighbor, fellow Americans — even if they voted for the other guy. Because everyone has their reasons (which are frankly none of anyone’s business) and it’s also our right. To vote. Respect to all.
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