“Will you be sad if who you voted for doesn’t win?” It’s an actual and legitimate question my son asked a few hours after I had him join me at the voting booth for the 2024 presidential election. He’s only six, almost seven, but even a first grader can recognize the weight of this particular presidential race. I’d even say that most kids his age and older aren’t oblivious to the emotion that we as voters (and parents) have invested in its outcome. After all, 77 percent of adults were stressed about the Nov. 5 election…it wouldn’t be too surprising if the stats were similar for kids, to be honest.

After Donald Trump was declared the president-elect on Nov. 6, the internet was flooded with articles and social media graphics of how to take care of our mental health if we’re feeling some type of way about how things panned out. But what about the kids? No, they couldn’t vote, but your kid probably senses that you’re upset, which makes them upset too. So, what’s a mom or dad to do? First, figure out how you can cope with election disappointment. Then, read below for five tips on how to help your child if your candidate (which in turn is their candidate) didn’t come out victorious:

1. Make room for their emotions. Yes, you know already purposeful parenting is all about letting our kids feel whatever it is they’re feeling. But it’s important especially at a time like this to do so. Your child may be exhibiting unusual behaviors such as having night terrors or withdrawing from activities post-election, or maybe they’re acting totally fine. But if they’re not sure exactly how to put their emotions into words, help them vocalize them, which can make them more manageable. Frustrated, angry, and disappointed are all valid and common ways to feel right now; make sure your child knows that these reactions and heightened emotions are normal, and that you’re most likely feeling the same way. 

2. Plan a fun activity to do together. Just like with self-care for grown-ups, a fun distraction can help keep kids’ minds off of what’s going on in our nation’s capital. Think of a fun activity to do (preferably outside of the house to avoid distractions) that you know your child will enjoy, and plan a time to actually do it. Maybe it’s something as simple as riding a bike ride through a local park, a playdate with a close friend, or an ice cream date after dinner at a restaurant.

3. Remind them that the president doesn’t make all  the decisions. I tried to explain to my kid that the president is essentially the boss of our country, but he needs a team of people to help get the work done. Remember, the White House also includes the Senate and the House of Representatives and other officials within the Executive Branch who help them make laws, but the Commander in Chief is not solely responsible for any of them, good or bad. Plus, just because Trump made a lot of promises, that doesn’t mean all of them will come to fruition. Perhaps this is a good time for a brief lesson on our government’s checks and balances…

4. Avoid too much screen time. This goes without saying, but there’s a strong correlation between excessive screen time and higher levels of anxiety and depression in children. Limit the time your child can spend on his iPad or TV over the next few days so he’s not oversaturated with disheartening political news. And, in that same vein, try to follow those same rules for yourself so you can lead by example. Lastly, because anxiety levels are higher in kids who don’t get enough sleep, try to strictly enforce bedtime so they’re not staying up late on their devices watching news videos or doom scrolling (even though you might be guilty of this yourself).

5. Try to stay positive about the future. Not to sound all preachy that “the only path is forward,” but to be honest, it’s true! In Kamala Harris’ concession speech, she specifically called out young people, telling them that “it’s all going to be okay.” “Don’t ever give up,” she continued. “Don’t ever stop trying to make the world a better place.” To make this tangible for kids, and depending on their age, have your child think about a cause they feel strongly about and start getting involved with it within their community, the Child Mind Institute suggests. This can help kids understand that they can “channel uncomfortable feelings into action,” but also that they can make a difference in their everyday lives for the better, even if they’re worried our new administration won’t.

Which of these tips will you be trying in the election aftermath? Any others to share with fellow parents? 

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