Helping Your Child Navigate Election Anxiety
While I do not ever remember paying attention to politics as a child, I’ve had several patients, both kids and teens, bring this topic up in sessions. As the election heads into it’s final days, I’m also seeing more children experience anxiety and stress related to the political climate.
Whether they’re exposed to conversations at home, news reports, or discussions among peers, these external factors can create feelings of uncertainty and fear. As parents, you play a vital role in helping your child cope with these emotions. Here are some strategies to support your child during this time.
1. Create a Safe Space for Discussion
Encourage open conversations about their feelings regarding the election. Ask them how they feel about what they hear and validate those feelings. Let them know it’s okay to express anxiety or confusion. This can help them feel heard and understood.
2. Limit Exposure to News
While it’s important for children to stay informed, excessive exposure to news, especially negative reports and predictions of horrible things happening “if the other side wins,” can heighten anxiety. Set boundaries around media consumption and consider watching news segments together, discussing what you see and providing context to alleviate fears.
3. Limit Discussion of Your own Fears/Worries
Kids tune into the anxiety of others, especially their parents. Even if you think that they aren’t listening to you, there is a good chance they are. Listening to adult worries with a child’s mind and reasoning ability set kids up for anxiety. It’s extra scary for kids to see their parents scared. If you have to talk about your worries about the election and the future, keep those conversations private.
4. Focus on Positive Actions
Help your child channel their feelings into positive actions. Encourage them to participate in community service or get involved in school activities that promote civic engagement without being partisan. Fostering a sense of agency can empower them and reduce anxiety.
5. Teach Coping Strategies
Introduce your child to coping mechanisms such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or journaling. These techniques can help them manage stress and cultivate a sense of calm. Practicing these strategies together can also strengthen your bond.
6. Encourage Critical Thinking
Help your child develop critical thinking skills by discussing different perspectives on political issues. Teach them to question what they hear and push them to think about their own beliefs and biases. Here are some sample questions to guide that discussion.
- Am I looking at this situation as if it were black and white? Or, is it more complicated?
- What would be an alternative?
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of…?
- Am I basing my opinion on facts, or on feelings?
- How would other groups of people respond and why?
- What might someone who believed… think?
- Would you explain why it is necessary or beneficial, and who benefits?
This can empower them to form their own opinions and feel more confident in understanding the complexities of the world around them.
7. Model Healthy Behavior
Demonstrate how to engage with political topics in a balanced and calm manner. Show them how to handle disagreements respectfully and seek out information from reliable sources. Avoid name calling others or engaging in bullying (in-person or online). Your behavior will set an example for them to follow.
8. Reassure Them
Reassure your child that it’s normal to feel anxious during uncertain times. Remind them that elections are a part of a democratic process and that it’s normal for people to have different ideas and views. Encourage them to focus on the aspects of their lives they can control.
9. Seek Professional Support if Needed
If your child’s anxiety becomes overwhelming, consider seeking support from a counselor or therapist. Professional guidance can provide them with additional tools to manage their feelings effectively.
Conclusion
Navigating election anxiety can be challenging for both children and parents. By fostering open communication, encouraging positive actions, and modeling healthy behaviors, you can help your child feel more secure and supported during this tumultuous time. Remember, your support is crucial in helping them develop resilience and a sense of agency in the face of uncertainty.