As parents, we often find ourselves juggling the demands of everyday life work, school, household responsibilities, and everything else in between. But amid all this, it's easy to overlook one of the most essential tasks: ensuring our children are emotionally okay. With the world around them constantly changing, especially in these politically charged times—it's more important than ever to check in with our kids, listen to their concerns, and help them process the world they are inheriting.
Whether it is an election that causes division, or the rise of social issues that make some children feel unsafe, today's kids are growing up in a climate of uncertainty and change. They are acutely aware of the world around them, and often they are struggling to make sense of what they hear on the news or see on social media. As parents, we need to create space for them to express their feelings and fears. We also need to ensure they feel heard and validated, especially when those feelings are tied to safety, identity, and belonging.
Why Kids Need Us to Listen
Whether in elementary or high school, kids are navigating a world that often feels hostile or unsafe. They hear much about racial and social justice issues, LGBTQ+ rights, climate change, and global conflicts. These topics can be overwhelming and, for many kids, they bring deep fears for the future.
Speaking with young people in recent days after the election, many have shared their concerns about the outlook of the country. One teen shared how, as a young child in elementary school, she was frightened by the political climate and the actions of specific public figures. As she grew older, she realized the more profound impact of those political choices. The fear wasn't just about who was elected—it was about the message it sent about the country's values and how different people are treated. Unfortunately, she's not alone.
Other teens expressed fear about what it will be like to see people be deported, not being able to access women’s healthcare, and even the future of food safety. Clearly, many young people today are grappling with fears about their safety and the safety of their friends, particularly in marginalized communities. This is why we, as parents, must have open and honest conversations with our kids. We need to listen to their concerns, validate their emotions, and reassure them that it's okay to feel worried. When kids feel heard, they are more likely to process their feelings healthily and feel supported in a world that can sometimes feel uncertain.
How to Have Meaningful Conversations with Your Kids
1. Create a Safe Space for Dialogue. The first step in any conversation is ensuring your child feels safe to express themselves. This means creating an environment where they know they won't be judged, belittled, or dismissed. Let them know you are available to listen to their worries, whether it's about school, friendships, or broader social and political issues. Ask open-ended questions like "How are you feeling about everything that's going on right now?" or "What's been on your mind lately?"
2. Acknowledge Their Feelings. It's important not to minimize or invalidate your child's emotions. If they're scared, anxious, or upset, don't brush it off with a "Don't worry, it will be fine." Instead, try saying, "I can see you're worried about this. It's understandable to feel that way given everything happening." Validating their emotions helps them feel understood and opens the door for further discussion.
3. Provide Reassurance. While it's important to acknowledge their feelings, it is also crucial to provide reassurance. Help them understand that while real problems exist, people are also working hard to create positive change. They can be part of that change—whether through small acts of kindness, standing up for their friends, or becoming involved in causes they care about. Empowering them with a sense of agency can make them feel more in control and less helpless.
4. Normalize Mental Health Conversations. Children today are increasingly aware of mental health, but that doesn't always mean they know how to take care of it. Normalize the conversation by discussing emotions regularly, making mental health a priority, and teaching your child that it is okay to ask for help when they need it. This could mean seeking support from a school counselor or therapist or simply talking to you.
5. Stay Informed and Available. It's also essential for parents to stay informed about the issues their children are facing. This could mean educating yourself on the political climate, understanding marginalized communities' challenges, or even keeping up with social media trends. The more informed you are, the better equipped you'll be to guide your child through complex issues and provide thoughtful support.
The Mental Health Crisis Facing Our Kids
The mental health of children has been a growing concern in recent years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, the mental health crisis among children and teens was already on the rise before the pandemic, and it has only worsened since. Surgeon General Advisory: Protecting Youth Mental Health. Increased rates of anxiety, depression, and isolation are taking a toll on kids, and many are struggling to cope with the constant bombardment of distressing news.
Children today are more likely to experience heightened stress in response to national or global events. Whether it's a divisive election, a public health crisis, or rising social tensions, they live in a time of uncertainty. And when they feel unsafe or unsure about the future, it can have a long-term impact on their mental health.
Regular check-ins with your kid can help mitigate some of the adverse effects of stress. Ask them what's on their mind, be a supportive listener, and seek out mental health resources to help them navigate their emotions if necessary. Most importantly, let them know they are not alone, and that it's okay to ask for help when needed.
Empowering the Next Generation
Ultimately, the goal is to raise kids who feel supported, safe, and empowered to navigate a world that sometimes seems overwhelming. By creating space for open communication, teaching them about emotional resilience, and normalizing mental health conversations, we can help our kids develop the tools they need to face challenges head-on.
History will judge our choices today, but more importantly, it will remember how we took care of the next generation. By ensuring that our kids know they are loved, heard, and supported, we can help them grow into compassionate, resilient, and engaged individuals who will be the leaders of tomorrow.
If we want to create a better future for our kids, it starts with taking the time to talk with them today. So, take a moment to check in with your kids, ask them how they're feeling, listen to their concerns, and remind them that no matter what happens, they are not alone.