Happy Sunday, Pride!
I hope everyone had a great weekend and made the most of the extra hour we gained.
If you’re anything like me, you might be looking forward to Tuesday being over. While I’m curious to see if the candidate I voted for wins, I’ll be relieved to see the end of the endless political ads and mailings! The excitement and tension surrounding elections can affect us all—including our children. They may be feeling a mix of emotions, and this is a unique opportunity for us, as adults, to help them understand and process what’s happening. I believe we have a role in supporting our children through these next few days. Here are some ways we can help them:
Encourage Respectful Conversations
Children observe and learn from our reactions. Talk openly and respectfully about different viewpoints, helping them understand the importance of listening and respecting others’ opinions—even if they differ from our own. These conversations can plant the seeds of empathy and understanding.
Emphasize Resilience
Elections, like many aspects of life, can be unpredictable. Encourage your child to view outcomes with resilience, focusing on the value of civic participation rather than just winning or losing. Remind them that each election contributes to an ongoing cycle of growth and change.
Model Optimism and Forward Thinking
No matter the outcome, help your child see the bigger picture. Remind them that progress takes time and often involves many perspectives. Children look to us for cues on how to react, so by staying positive and forward-thinking, we teach them to do the same.
Encourage Questions
Children may have questions about issues they hear at school, from friends, or on the news. Take the time to answer thoughtfully, encouraging critical thinking and openness. While it can be tempting to avoid challenging conversations, these moments can offer valuable learning opportunities.
Highlight the Power of Community
Regardless of the election’s outcome, our role in building a better community for our children remains constant. Beyond politics, we each play a part in shaping our school, neighborhood, and country in positive ways every day.
Together, let’s use this season to teach our children about empathy, resilience, and the value of every voice. We’re grateful to partner with you in helping our young ones grow into thoughtful, responsible citizens.
Thank you for being part of the Riverwalk family!
In Pride and Purpose,
~Dr. Compton
