Even after the January 20, 2025, inauguration, about half the country will continue to be upset with the outcome. Political differences can put stress on relationships and create heightened feelings for adults. For children, these feelings can be even harder to make sense of as they try to understand the passionate post-election reactions from the people and media around them.
After Election Day, talking to your kids about the importance of the democratic process can provide context and comfort. Reinforce that voting is a crucial part of citizenship and share the history of voting rights — and the historical lack thereof — in the United States. Help them understand that many people fought for those rights, and many people in the world today still do not have the right to choose their leaders.
You can show your children a sample ballot, review the candidates and issues that you voted on, and share why you voted in a certain way. If your candidate or proposition did not win, explain in a fair and hopeful tone to help demonstrate that the process is more important than winning or losing. As days pass, your child may ask: “Why are people so angry about this election?” You might respond: “Some people support one candidate, but others don’t,” or “Sometimes people feel so strongly about an issue that they get angry when people feel differently, sometimes leading to arguments.
” Emphasize that voting is a way to express those opinions peacefully and that our differen.
