Introduction

Recently, I was chatting with my dear friend Molly about the upcoming presidential election. Molly, is a mom of two, a drama teacher, and a SEL (Social Emotional Learning) specialist at a small school in Seattle. We found ourselves reflecting on how we’re both feeling the weight of this time—not just as professionals but as parents. As a mother of four, a parent coach, and a parent educator, I’m especially attuned to how these events affect families, and I know that Molly feels this deeply in her work with the kids she teaches and their families as well. Parents everywhere are navigating their own stress and worries about the election while working hard to keep their emotions steady while showing up for the kids they’re raising. Nonetheless, children are noticing the heightened emotions, intense conversations, and constant news coverage. Over these past few months, they’ve also likely seen adults tuning into debates, discussing candidates, or simply carrying the stress visibly in their expressions and tone.

With the election almost over, Molly inspired me to put together a resource to help parents navigate this challenging moment. We see a unique opportunity for parents to help children make sense of this time—to support them in navigating big emotions, understanding complex events like the election, and learning to live with a bit of uncertainty. But even more than that, Molly and I agree on one thing we parents can provide our children, which is even more essential for their wellbeing during stressful times, and that is the invitation to rest in our care. As Molly put it so beautifully, “I want parents to know that they are basically the planet kids are living on. They are the water they’re swimming in. And that if WE feel maxed out, we’ve still got to find a little haven inside ourselves to offer our kids.”

With this in mind, here are 8 tips to help you create that haven and offer your child the steadiness they need right now.

#1: Foster a Sense of Safety

One of the most important things we can do as parents and caregivers is to create a safe, brave space for children to express their emotions and feel their most vulnerable feelings. Kids might not fully understand the issues at stake in this election, but they can feel the intensity and significance of it through their observations of us and the world around them. Our responsibility is to support children as they make sense of the world around them and make it safe and welcome for them to express their emotions.

Consider saying:

• “I know there’s a lot going on right now, and it’s OK to feel a little confused or even worried. I’m here to listen if you have questions, want to share what you’re feeling, or even just want a hug.”

• “In our family, we believe it’s important to care about each other’s thoughts and feelings. Let’s talk about things in a way that helps everyone feel safe to share.

#2: Model Emotional Regulation

Children often learn to manage their feelings by watching how we handle ours. When we model emotional regulation, we’re teaching our kids how to express emotions responsibly. Like many, you may be feeling upset or anxious about the election results, especially when considering the possible impact on your life and those you care about. It’s completely natural to feel this way, and it’s also common to struggle with emotional regulation when overwhelmed—after all, you’re human! However, it’s important to consider if your emotional reactions may be creating stress for your children. Recognize that your child might feel alarmed if they sense your emotions are so intense that they could affect your ability to care for them. If that’s the case, take a moment to acknowledge your feelings, while also demonstrating how you can manage them and remain present to meet your child’s needs. This balance reassures them that you’re capable and available, even in uncertain times.

Consider saying:

• “I feel a bit nervous about what’s happening, but I know that things don’t always go our way, and it’s OK to feel that. I’ll take a deep breath and remember that I can handle hard things.”
• “When things feel stressful, I like to take a little break and connect with my family. How about we do something fun and relaxing together?”

#3: Be Honest, Reassuring, and Steady

Children, especially young ones, need a sense of stability and continuity. While they might not fully grasp the implications of the election, they are sensitive to change. Reassure them that certain things remain the same, regardless of who becomes president. This can ease feelings of uncertainty and give them a sense of security.

Consider saying:

• “No matter who becomes president, I’m still your parent, and I’ll always take care of you. Your friends, teachers, and school will continue to support you, too.”

• “Even though we’re talking about big changes in leadership, many things about our lives will stay the same. We’ll keep doing things as a family, we’ll keep supporting each other, and we’ll keep doing things to help the world and people around us.

#4: Limit Media Exposure

Constant news coverage can feel overwhelming, especially for young children who may struggle to process the nonstop flow of information. For very young kids, it’s best to avoid exposure to news media entirely. Limit screen time for older children as well, monitor what content they are consuming, and be mindful of political discussions within earshot. Parents should decide how much to share about the election and its results in ways that are age-appropriate, primarily guided by the questions or comments children bring up. This approach allows them to absorb information in a manageable way, rather than feeling inundated or overwhelmed by the news.

Consider saying:

• “I need to take a break from watching the news. Too much information can feel overwhelming, even if it’s just going in the background. Let’s go play a game or read a book together.”

• “There are a lot of people talking about the election right now. It’s starting to feel like too much. Let’s take a break and go outside for a walk.”

#5: Encourage Kids to Seek Facts from Trusted Adults

With all the buzz surrounding the election, children may hear information from friends, classmates, or pick up on dramatic or alarming conversations. Kids often absorb and repeat things they don’t fully understand, which can lead to confusion or fear. As parents and caregivers, we can help by reminding children that not everything they hear is accurate, especially if it sounds scary or sensational. Encourage them to come to you or another trusted adult for clear, reliable information, reminding them of Mr. Rogers’ advice to “look for the helpers.” This can give them a sense of security and a foundation for understanding difficult or complex issues.

Consider saying: 

• “Sometimes people say things about the election that might sound a little scary or confusing. If you hear something that worries you, you can always come to me. I’ll help you find out what’s really happening.”

• “If you hear something from a friend at school that sounds upsetting, remember it’s OK to check with a teacher or ask me after school to make sure you’re getting the real story.”

#6: Prepare Them for Possible Disappointment

We all love to win and feel sad when we lose. But we know that this election has very high stakes, and the results may feel like more than a simple disappointment—there may even be a sense of grief given the impact it could have on so many lives. If your family has been rooting for a particular candidate, your child may feel a deep sadness if that person doesn’t win, even if they don’t fully understand the candidate’s platform. Use this moment to teach resilience by sharing these feelings of sadness, while still finding ways to advocate for the values that matter to your family.

Consider saying:

• “Sometimes things don’t turn out the way we want, and that can be hard. But we can keep working on things we care about. We can find ways to make a difference, even if things don’t go our way.”
• “In life, we won’t always get what we want, and that’s disappointing, sad, and hard to accept. What’s important is to keep trying and to keep caring about things that matter to us.”

#7 Take Care of Your Own Mental Health

As parents and caregivers, we must also look after our own well-being. Election seasons can be exhausting, and kids pick up on our stress. Make a plan for self-care, knowing that, regardless of the election outcome, we all may feel worn out or anxious. It’s essential to create space to release those feelings safely—whether that’s taking time to cry, venting to a friend, journaling, or simply allowing yourself to sit with your emotions. Showing our kids that during stressful times, we take time to care for ourselves can set a powerful example of prioritizing emotional health and wellbeing.

Consider saying:

• “This has been a busy time, and I’m feeling a little worn out. I’m going to take a few minutes to rest so I can feel better. Taking care of myself helps me take care of you.”

• “It’s OK to feel big emotions, and it’s OK to take breaks when we need them. I’ll be here for you, and we’ll get through it together."

#8 Help Children Understand the Big Picture

Ultimately, our role as adults is to help children feel safe, supported, and confident in their world. By modeling compassion, regulating our emotions, and teaching respectful dialogue, we empower kids to grow into thoughtful, resilient, and empathetic adults. This election season, let’s focus on listening to our children, supporting them through their questions, and building a strong foundation of trust, care, and respect.

Consider saying:

• “There are many leaders and helpers who care about us and are always working to make things better. We’re not alone in facing challenges.”

• “No matter what happens, we’re strong enough to handle it. We’ll keep moving forward together as a family and a community.”

Conclusion

As this election season wraps up, we parents have a powerful opportunity to support our children in understanding and processing what they’re seeing around them. By being present, honest, and steady, we can help them feel secure during a period of uncertainty. Every moment of rest we provide our children adds to their sense of safety, creating a haven through our relationship. Let’s guide them with compassion and patience, reminding them that, together as a family, we can handle whatever comes next.