The presidential election is behind us by one week, but news of transitions and changes are continuing to be broadcast. I thought I would share some observations about the election and upcoming changes for our country. I particularly want to focus upon this transition and its influence on children.
I have observed many children over the past few weeks share feelings and thoughts regarding the election. Many expressed support for a particular candidate and some shared fears about what a candidate might do if they were elected. Children as young as first grade have been participating in mock elections in their schools. Though it is exciting to see children interested in the election process, young children particularly lack the cognitive skills to understand and process the large amounts of news and information associated with an election (many of us adults also struggle). Though there are economic pressures that have many nervous about the future, as adults we should be careful about how easily we transmit our own anxieties to our children. Our children need assistance in filtering all the information and reassurance from calm adults that there is stability in change. Below are some observations and recommendations for the coming weeks as our country goes through a transition.
1. Children follow the lead of their parents and tend to “parrot” their feelings.
I have observed many children, as young as six, share thoughts and feelings about this election that are clearly adult-like and sometimes seem to come straight from talk radio. Though mimicking adults is one of the ways children learn, we should be aware of their immaturity in interpreting some of their statements. This is an excellent format for teaching between parent and child. As suggested in earlier posts, listen to your child, avoid correcting, and dialog about their understanding of the things they are saying.
2. Children magnify adult anxieties with fantasy type ideas.
I have heard children suggest that if a particular candidate becomes president that, “recess will be cancelled”; “we will have too many taxes and can’t afford groceries”; or “we will have to go to school year round with no holidays.” As adults we can generally see each of these statements for the exaggeration that they are (though we might say a few ourselves), but for children they are an expression of underlying anxiety about change. As parents and caregivers we do not want to minimize or ridicule their fears. We should calmly remind them that their daily lives will experience little change as our country’s leadership changes. They will still get up and go to school, come home, eat supper, and go to bed. Routines will be consistent. With older children this may be an opportunity to teach them about how decisions in government are made and that changes are generally slow.
3. Children need concrete, simple, and reassuring explanations about change.
One of our most significant responsibilities as parents is to teach. We can teach about our country, our values as a family, and the importance of being together even when we face challenges. Though there are times to share your personal fears and frustrations with your children, be careful to support your thoughts with reassurances. Take time to share some history with your children about the many times this country has faced uncertainty, but that as a country we have survived and become stable again.
Change is truthfully a part of living and not really some innovative campaign slogan. Our children need our leadership, reassurance, and teaching throughout any change process.
I have observed many children over the past few weeks share feelings and thoughts regarding the election. Many expressed support for a particular candidate and some shared fears about what a candidate might do if they were elected. Children as young as first grade have been participating in mock elections in their schools. Though it is exciting to see children interested in the election process, young children particularly lack the cognitive skills to understand and process the large amounts of news and information associated with an election (many of us adults also struggle). Though there are economic pressures that have many nervous about the future, as adults we should be careful about how easily we transmit our own anxieties to our children. Our children need assistance in filtering all the information and reassurance from calm adults that there is stability in change. Below are some observations and recommendations for the coming weeks as our country goes through a transition.
1. Children follow the lead of their parents and tend to “parrot” their feelings.
I have observed many children, as young as six, share thoughts and feelings about this election that are clearly adult-like and sometimes seem to come straight from talk radio. Though mimicking adults is one of the ways children learn, we should be aware of their immaturity in interpreting some of their statements. This is an excellent format for teaching between parent and child. As suggested in earlier posts, listen to your child, avoid correcting, and dialog about their understanding of the things they are saying.
2. Children magnify adult anxieties with fantasy type ideas.
I have heard children suggest that if a particular candidate becomes president that, “recess will be cancelled”; “we will have too many taxes and can’t afford groceries”; or “we will have to go to school year round with no holidays.” As adults we can generally see each of these statements for the exaggeration that they are (though we might say a few ourselves), but for children they are an expression of underlying anxiety about change. As parents and caregivers we do not want to minimize or ridicule their fears. We should calmly remind them that their daily lives will experience little change as our country’s leadership changes. They will still get up and go to school, come home, eat supper, and go to bed. Routines will be consistent. With older children this may be an opportunity to teach them about how decisions in government are made and that changes are generally slow.
3. Children need concrete, simple, and reassuring explanations about change.
One of our most significant responsibilities as parents is to teach. We can teach about our country, our values as a family, and the importance of being together even when we face challenges. Though there are times to share your personal fears and frustrations with your children, be careful to support your thoughts with reassurances. Take time to share some history with your children about the many times this country has faced uncertainty, but that as a country we have survived and become stable again.
Change is truthfully a part of living and not really some innovative campaign slogan. Our children need our leadership, reassurance, and teaching throughout any change process.
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